You've got your Canon EOS Rebel XSi: Now what?

One of the reasons you bought your Canon Rebel XSi instead of, say, a superzoom camera with an electronic viewfinder is because Canon's entry-level camera is incredibly expandable. There are hundreds of lenses, tons of add-on accessories, many electronic flash options, and a whole raft of things you can do to enhance the capabilities of your camera. But, where do you start?

I have lots of recommendations, including reviews of many Canon lenses in David Busch's Canon EOS Rebel XSi Guide to Digital SLR Photography. But I've begun putting together this web page, which I plan to use to provide more up-to-date advice, specifics about new lenses and accessories as they are introduced, and even links to where you can purchase this gear at a discount. I've got a few key must-haves here, but will be expanding this page to include even more goodies and recommendations in the future. This page should grow into a good resource for those who want to get some of the same lenses and add-ons that I use to upgrade the capabilities of any Canon Rebel XSi.

Click to return to my Canon Rebel XSi Page

My recommendations for Canon EOS Rebel XSi must-have essentials

(And stuff I just like):

(Click picture for a discount price)


My guidebook, natch!	The Canon 580 EX II electronic flash	BG-E5 battery pack/vertical grip	Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera with 18-55mm IS zoom

I love The "Bigma", the 50-500 f/4-6.3 zoom from Sigma. Great image quality and the range you need for sports, wildlife, portraits.	Manfrotto Monopod I own this, and the Manfrotto carbon fiber monopod. Super for sports, landscapes, wildlife.	Already own a bunch of EF or EF-S lenses? Upgrading from a Canon EOS XTi? Buy just the XSi body and save your $$$ for more lenses!	Screen Protector Shield your big 3-inch LCD from scratching and damage.

SanDisk Extreme III 4GB Take thousands of shots on one card with this super-fast 4GB SanDisk SDHC memory card.	SanDisk Extreme III 2GB You definitely must have at least one spare memory card, and this budget-priced card doesn't sacrifice speed or reliability.	Is it possible that the sharpest lens you own can cost less than $100? This 50mm f/1.8 lens will exceed your expectations. Great for macro work, too.	Tokina 12-24mm zoom. Here's a chance to save some money on a lens that is excellent, at a lower price.

			Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens Ready for one big splurge? This is one premium "L" lens that does it all. Treat yourself just once!

FAST! This Canon 50mm f1.2 is the available-light photographer's dream lens! You need this.	FAST! This Canon 85mm f/1.2 is legendary. Absolutely beautiful for portraiture!	FAST! Photojournalists and anyone looking for speed indoors will love this Canon 24mm f/1.4 lens.	FAST! Although it's a "normal" lens on the 40D, this speedy 35mm f/1.4 is excellent indoors and out.