in low light, and not wanting to push the ISO too far for fear of getting noisy pics, you're going to either need a fast lens (2.8-4) or something with IS.
Even though your budget is only 2-$300, I would suggest either the 28-135IS or if you want to expand your budget a bit, get the 70-200F4L.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search
Both of those lenses are keepers that you'll use for a very long time, not specialty lenses that will live in your bag.