Lens buying suggestions....help!?

I, too, was in that same situation. I wanted to buy something not too expensive, but not poorly made. I purchased a Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 with IS and it's a pretty decent lens that was priced at $272 with tax. I've taken some good shots with it. I haven't used it as much as I'd like but it's definitely good to buy a lens with IS unless you don't mind carrying around a tripod with you all the time. This type of lens is great for outdoors, wildlife, and portraits.