i am also a beginner, can I suggest lens 50 mm f1.8? You will have fun with it. I have the 1.4 which I bought second hand. (found a good deal when i was looking for f1.8) for around $200 you will get a nice blur background with that lens. The 1.4 is said to be clearer but I cant see the difference. The only thing is that it can go bigger app than 1.8. I think shooting bird will require a more advanced equipment. You can take a shot of your kids, girlfriend, boyfriend dog, wild flowers, leaves, and the magic is, anything unsignificant when you look at them with your eyes will become beautiful when you take some shots with that lens
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just realised this is a few years old thread, dunno if it is still relevant ;D