Primes, primes, primes, it's all about primes. I used to have a $100 50mm 1.8 that I sold to my friend. I then but a $500 17-85mm. It continues to drive me INSANE. The difference in sharpness is astounding and that wide aperture is a blessing. I can recommend the 50mm 1.8, with a Sigma 30mm. Don't buy the Canon 28mm. It's just NOT good according to stuff I've heard. If you're going for a wide angle the Canon 20mm is apparently really good. Also maybe add an 85mm in there. You don't need that immediatly though because you're using an APS-C camera.