HELP! NEWBIE LENS ADVICE! 55-250mm, 70-300mm, or ___?

[friedmud]

I suggest the 55-250.  Here's one of my shots with my XSi + 55-250 from a couple of years ago:

http://500px.com/photo/1665654

Camera was mounted on my tripod and I manually held a 2 stop Lee ND Grad filter in front of it and manually focused.  Remote triggered using infrared remote.

[Halfrack]

IF you're doing landscapes, spend the money on solid tripod and a cable/ir cable release....

IF you're looking for glass to reach out, save up an extra $100 and get a used 70-200f4L - about $500 and should include a lens hood.  It'll be a lens that you'll use for years, give you solid results every time.  Yes, there is no IS - but if you're dealing with daylight, it'll love you very much.  Best part is that you'll be able to sell it later on for the same amount.