topic All-purpose lens recommendations for new old EOS 20D in Gear Guide

All-purpose lens recommendations for new old EOS 20D

The_Professor — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:17:44 GMT

Hello community,

My 13 y.o. daughter was just gifted an EOS 20D for her first camera as she is getting into photography. It currently has a 50mm lens on it, but I was thinking about getting her the 18-135mm lens for more flexibility and control with only one lens. Is this a good beginner lens for her to get real time practice? Any advice or accessory recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

-Christopher

Re: New Old EOS 20D

deebatman316 — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:16:35 GMT

Which version of the EF-S 18-135mm are you referring to. Canon has released 3 versions of that lens and some of them are good. Your camera requires Canon EF or EF-S lenses. Canon also makes other lenses for different cameras and they cannot be used on your camera. Stay away from Canon EF-M, RF & RF-S lenses. These lenses are INCOMPATIBLE with your camera. Canon has discontinued lenses for the original EOS system. Though existing stock is selling and used lenses are available. The same is true as far as external flash units. Stick with Canon speedlites ending in EX such as 430EX.

Re: New Old EOS 20D

BurnUnit — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:54:16 GMT

The Canon EF-s 18-135 has a nice, usable range of focal lengths for your crop-sensor 20D. Decently wide at the short end, good for portraits in the middle 80-90mm range and pretty good tele-photo reach at 135mm, especially with the crop-sensor body.

Try to find a lens that you can actually try out on your camera before buying if possible. If not, the real legit online camera stores usually have graded, used gear for sale as well and should also allow returns if there's a problem. Try to avoid the "auction" sites and "marketplaces" unless you can actually inspect and test the lens in person.

Re: All-purpose lens recommendations for new old EOS 20D

March411 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:58:14 GMT

I own the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF and love it. For a super zoom the IQ is extremely good and the zoom range makes it a very versatile lens. I will be trading it in when the RF version hits the streets which should happen shortly.

You can only find them used, somewhere around $400 for one in excellent condition. Just another option.

KEH, MPB or BH Photo are some of the best choices to find one.