Chrissy, really glad to see you back on line! : )

I use Nikon but Sigma makes Canon mounts for every lens they make for Nikon and other brands.  I am very pleased with Sigma overall. I use a 50mm macro which is also a fine lens with in price limits for portraits, etc.  I also have the 105 macro(I think the mm is right) and it does a fine job.  I also use a Sigma f/4 100-300 tele zoom and have Sigma converter for it to bring the mm to 420mm at f/5.     

All of these lenses do well for me in both autofocus, speed of focus, compability with the camera, etc.   I can't say anything good or bad about other brands since I don't have those. 

If you are looking for lenses which are generally as good and sometimes better, try Sigma. I might get negative replies from that statement!   For me and my Nikons, the Sigmas work very well and are closer to my budget than comparable Nikon glass.   I simply cannot afford the Nikon glass in some cases and going for the higher quality Sigma fits my bill well, even if a tad higher in price than the lower grade lenses of either Nikon or Sigma.

It is truly a treat to see you here speaking again.  Best wishes in finding that DSLR within your budget.  You will find the learning curve not so steep and you already have the eye for the compo.

Tom.