The super range lenses are always very poor quality. You end up with tons of distortion, image quality that's on par with a kit lens at best, and it's incredibly slow and expensive. The only real benefit is not having to change lenses as often. If it's really worth it for that, then go for it, but don't expect to be getting a big upgrade from the 18-55 in terms of image quality.
OP: The t3i is a mighty fine camera. I suggest picking up a 50mm f/1.8 as your next lens, if you like shallow depth of field. You could even take it a step further and get a samyang 85 f/1.4 which would give you incredibly thin dof, but it is a manual lens. Overall image quality is quite impressive for the cost though.
If you want to get started with macro, my reccommedation is to pickup an enlarging lens and a set of macro bellows. Look for schneider or rodenstock lenses, 50-75mm is probably best for an aps camera. This method will give you excellent image quality, and the whole setup should only cost about $100.
To the OP, YES there are other photographers out there! (me)So my wife just ordered this camera for me. I read some reviews on it and I dont really know what to think. Good or bad? I know the camera is good but is all the accessories that came with it good?
Amazon.com: Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Zoom Lens & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens + 11pc Bundle 16GB Deluxe Accessory Kit: Camera & Photo
@Foothead. What the heck are you talking about??? We are talking about Digital, and clearly not living in the Film days anymore.
WHAT... nonononono. For someone "interested" in macro photography, and just trying it out, Buy macro Filters. I bought a set for $15. The macro is absolutely amazing, it can be a little difficult to focus, but big whoop. why waist a $100 on something that you might not like. For a $100 a lens must be pretty crappy, and I know what you are going to say. the more you stack the filters, the worse quality it will get. NO, WRONG, The quality is like a $300 macro lens. I'll add a few pictures to show the difference between my Macro lens, ($200) (Which I already returned) and the filters ($15)
($15)
($200 lens that I returned)
You can see they are all relatively nice, Obviously the quality and how close you get is better with the filters. A good macro lens isn't a bad idea, but when you are just starting, then do yourself a big favor and don't waist money on a macro lens. Just buy filters like these: Amazon.com: PLR Optics 58MM +1 +2 +4 +10 Close-Up Macro Filter Set with Pouch For The Canon Digital EOS Rebel SL1 (100D), T5i (700D), T4i (650D), T3 (1100D), T3i (600D), T1i (500D), T2i (550D), XSI (450D), XS (1000D), XTI (400D), XT (350D), 1D C, 70D