It is a shame this is a kit lens...
You can get good shots using the kit lens... but it takes effort and knowledge... and most beginners don't have either going into their first shutter clicks. Your best friend will be a tripod... and after that, a hot shoe speedlite. Bounce the light off the ceiling or walls and you will come out with some solid shots. Outside of that... mostly disappointment. Sorry, but it is true. As a good upgrade, the 15-85 is a solid EF-s performer.
jdramirez
Mechanicsburg, PA