how do i chose a lens?

I would like a lens that can be used for every day pictures as well as to take pictures at children's plays and sporting events

You want a good zoom then. Something around 18-200 to handle the widescreen shots of landscapes while handling the up close and personal shots of a sporting zoom. What I'd do is take your camera with you to the nearest mom and pop store and talk to a salesman. Do you research there. Hold them, feel the weight and CG. Look at how different brands affect the image. Shoot with them right in the store if they let you. Some will even rent you various lenses and apply the rental cost to purchase. Once you've held some of these lenses have a good idea what you want, come back online and look for the best deal. Also, see if you can find shots taken with each to compare side by side.

That's how you choose a lens. BTW - whatever lens you get, invest another $25 or so into a 1A Skylight filter. Reason being ... insurance. I can't tell you how many 1As I trashed and saved the lens it was protecting.

Thank you. My son recently started playing sports and I want something that will take decent pictures where I can actually tell which child is mine.. Thanks again