What camera lens should I buy for my Canon?

I have a Canon EOS Rebel X SLR film camera. I think it is a great camera and I am looking into purchasing a new lens(s) for it but I don't have a clue where to start.The lens that came with it is 35-80mm. I would like to get a really good all around lens (if there is one out there). It would be for taking portraits and things outdoors. Not looking to become a pro photographer but would still like to be able to take awesome pics of wildlife, landscapes, and of the nieces and nephews at ball games and other family gatherings. Thanks for all the help!

For film, a 35-80mm covers what is conventionally known as the normal range, ie it doesn't cover wide-angle (less than 35mm) or telephoto (over 85mm). For portraits and most outdoors work, you will want to extend your coverage into the telephoto range. Typical zoom ranges here are 70-150mm or 70-200mm. This will probably work for sporting events where you can get reasonably close to the action and are not stuck in seating well back from the sidelines.

Wide angle lens are great for interiors, landscapes with prominent objects in the foreground, and candid family shots where you are close to the subjects. You might find the 35mm end of your zoom is not quite short enough. Options include a prime (single focal length) lens around 20-28mm, or a wide-angle zoom.

You can buy a single lens solution like a 28-200mm lens. This would, in theory, replace your current lens completely. But they are bulky. For my Nikon, this lens weighs nearly twice the 28-80mm zoom, and I have kept the smaller lens because it is easier to carry and use in many circumstances. It is also easier for my 9yo grand-daughter to use when she is with me - the heavier lens would be much harder for her to manage.

As a film user, the advice to avoid the lens made specifically for digital is sound. Digital sensors are much smaller than the film image size, and these lens don't have to be perfect over the larger area that you need.

As they said, you've gto the right "basic" lens for most of your stated purposes. Look at these Canon Lenses and Reviews and see where you can fill in on the wide or tele ends. Personally, I think tele is more fun, going up to 400 mm or so... As you look at the reviews, see if there is any distinction made between digital use or film use. You want to avoid the digital design lenses or they won't cover your entire frame.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/ (See "Recommendations" on this page)

http://www.photo.net/canon/#lense

http://www.wlcastleman.com/equip/reviews/index.htm

http://www.photozone.de/active/news/index.jsp

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/index.html

http://www.fredmiranda.com

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1029

Your 35-80mm is a good all-around lens. You might look at a 28mm macro lens for real close work(flowers, collectibles, etc.) Also a 300 to 600mm zoom or telephoto lens is nice. From there you will have to decide how deep you are going to get into photography. There are some really god 1200 telephoto lenses like they use for sporting events, but they are SPENDY!!! Good luck.

also consider the 28-200mm lens which I've been using practically for everything.

Dr. Sam does a good job answering SLR questions.

If he doesn't see this one.

Post it again in a couple hours.

I see that I am a little too late.

I should have checked first.

jonnydollar left out the one you need for landscapes ... the 10-22mm .. Canon of course