Complements for cameras

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

For the latest darling of the budget digital SLR camera world, we've recommended a slightly higher class of lenses. But these will work on the older Digital Rebel as well, and vice versa, to accommodate any budget.
The accessories for the the newer Rebel XT differ in only a few ways from the original Digital Rebel; one of the differences is the supported model of battery grip. Though you might wonder why you'd want one of these--the Rebel's battery lasts a reasonably long time--keep in mind that battery grip is a bit of a misnomer. It's actually an add-on grip that duplicates the shutter-release button and the exposure-control dial to make shooting vertically more convenient.
It's a bit pricey, relative to the cost of the Rebel XT, but this light, compact lens, with an effective focal range of approximately 27mm-to-56mm (35mm equivalent) should be a good general-purpose normal-lens option. If you're feeling flush, Tamron's SP AF28mm-to-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD aspherical (IF) model delivers about 45mm to 120mm (35mm equivalent) but with a wider aperture throughout the whole range.
This is about the widest lens you can get for the Rebel XT. Its focal range translates to approximately 17mm to 32mm (35mm equivalent), and Sigma's DC lenses have smaller image circles than traditional SLR lenses, to match the smaller size of the sensor.
This telephoto lens, with its angle of view equivalent to about that of a 29mm-to-320mm lens on a 35mm SLR, should cover all your bases for distance shooting. If you frequently shoot at the far end of the focal range, however, we suggest you bump up to either the Canon EF 75mm-to-300mm f/4-f/5.6 IS USM, which supplies image stabilization. Feeling rich? Get the Canon EF 70mm-to-300mm f/4.5-f/5.6 DO IS USM, an extremely compact version of the lens with a really high price compared to the budget you probably have for this camera.
This tiny backpack will let you comfortably carry your Rebel as well as a zoom lens and assorted accessories. It's padded, it has Velcro-configurable compartments, and it will protect your equipment from inclement weather.
An inexpensive tripod with an attached three-way head and quick-release plate, suited for entry-level dSLR users. If you miss having a level (or three), you can pick up one for less than a buck at your local hardware store.
A well-priced CompactFlash card with the capacity and speed you'll need to shoot raw files.