wp188 & mintii : No need to get poisoned. Start with the 18-55mm first. That will be all you need for the moment.

If you want advise for not splurging and to keep yourself from being poisoned, this is what I will say:

- Shoot with the 18-55mm lens UNTIL YOU KNOW for sure what your next lens will be. Don't listen to others. It's how you shoot that will matter.

People can say buy the CZ24-70mm or the 70-200G SSM or whatever lens but if it does not suit the way you shoot, then it's not the right lens for you.

Every focal length on every lens for DSLRs are stated in 35mm terms, i.e. Full Frame terms.

Thus the 70-300mm is correct focal length for FF as is the 18-70mm.

A DT lens simply designates that the lens is meant for APS-C sensors only. You can still mount it onto the A900/A850 but you will get vignette looking through the viewfinder and the output will be automatically cropped. The focal length is still stated in FF terms.