I like Ektar 100 too, especially for landscape and architecture photos. It's super sharp and the color saturation is absolutely beautiful. But to be honest, I wouldn't recommend Ektar for a beginner. It seems to be extremely unforgiving with exposure, especially underexposure. Moreso than any other film I've used. You really have to try to get the exposure just right, and a light meter is pretty much mandatory. I've tried using the "Sunny 16 Rule" with Ektar, but I didn't have any luck at all. If you underexpose it, the colors get really weird. With other films, I've had good results by estimating the light. In fact, with most color print films I've been able to get decent pictures without using a light meter at all. But still, if you do nail the exposure, it will take incredible pictures that will blow you away. I like Ektar and I will keep using it. But it's just a different film and it takes some getting used to.
If you're getting good results with Ektar 100, then keep using it. I would also recommend trying Ultra Color 100. Kodak is going to discontinue it, but you can still find it in most photography supply shops. It has very nice color saturation, but gives a little bit of a warmer tone than Ektar. Kodak Gold 200 is a great film for all-around general use. It's not as special or spectacular as Ektar of course, but it's very forgiving with exposure and if you're anywhere near the right exposure, you will get good results. I shoot it all the time without even using a light meter. I use it for my kind of fall back film, when I don't want to be too worried about exposure, and just want to use an easy film for some landscape photos or snapshots.
And yes, definitely try some Kodachrome! I shot a roll of Kodachrome (the first time I have ever used slide film) and it's amazing!
- Chris