Your 20D is faster and handles better than an XSi does. The XSi has a couple advantages, but the 20D is overall a bit more capable. Would you trade a two year old Lexus for a Honda Accord?

Thus, I will recommend a lens. The lens you have is not very good. Consider sending your broken lens back to Canon. Odds are they will repair it. If not, here are some lens ideas:

Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 - a replacement for your kit lens, but it has a big aperture and is much sharper - about $350-400. You'll get more detailed photos with this lens and your 8MP 20D than you will with the same kit lens and more megapixels.

Canon 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 - An ultra wide lens of extremely good quality, it will truly broaden your shooting horizons

Canon 60mm EF-S macro - Like to shoot closeups? This is very sharp, light, and also works nicely as a portrait lens.

70-200 F4L or F4L IS - Best short telephoto zoom around. Normal version is under $600, the IS version is close to $1k. They're far superior to the cheaper options like the:

75-300mm - Not so recommended
55-250mm IS - Decent for the price, but if you can afford more, you'll get better results.

If you want a longer zoom range, Canon has a new 18-200mm IS lens. Just keep in mind that while it's $700, there are a lot of compromises involved in making a lens with such a big range, and it won't be as sharp or capable as the better lenses I've recommended here. You're paying for versatility.
Source(s):
My years of experience as a photographer

Asker's Rating:

Permalink | Report