Could someone please advise the best lenses to use with the Canon EOS400D mainly for landscape with good natural pespective but also to take pictures of paintings (artists own) with a focusing distance of 3 - 4ft as am having trouble with under exposure mainly on the latter matter. Cheers for any advice offered.

I would recommend that you stay with a Canon lens to start with. You can save a few dollars on another make, but for best results stick with the original. For what you are looking for you should check out the Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens. It is a nice lens with multipurpose ability.

Cheers,
RedLanternStyle

I recommend using a prime and getting used to that. Get a 50mm prime, or, since you are using the 400D, get something like the 28mm, or the 35mm prime. Get used to those, then switch to a zoom. It worked for all the greats before, I don't see why it shouldn't work for you.

Thanks for the info its much appreciated that a learner like me can get good advice and a simple reply that doesn't confuse me too much Will post when I make a final decision.

Cheers
Creekjumper

A very good lens at a very affordable price is the Canon 28 - 135mm IS USM Lens. You can pick one up NEW for under £300 if you shop around.

Rob