Go for the prime! It is affordable and is a good lens to learn with. You should also get Bryan Peterson's book.
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-...1&sr=8-2-spell
The lens that stays on my camera is the Tamron 28-75 2.8. Love that lens. I also have the cheap Canon 75-300 but don't like it. I use it for sports or outdoors stuff.
My next lens will be a 35mm.
What do you want the zoom for? That might help you narrow it down.