Hi, do to cost I can not afford to buy a XL2 with the new 20x lens it ships with. So I have shoped around and found a place that sells the XL2 body for just over $2200 which would be in my price range. I can also buy a 16x lens from an old XL1s for around $350-600 on ebay, which would fit my budget perfectly. My question is if I put the old 16x lens on the new XL2 will I be able to shoot 16:9 or will I be limited to 4:3, do to the way the lens was designed? I would really like the features that are in the new XL2 so if this would work you will hear me shout for joy no matter where you are!!! :) Any help would be great. John Christensen

John, as far as I know, it should be no problem using the old 16x lens even in 16:9.

Look at this article by Chris Hurd: http://www.dvinfo.net/canonxl2/articles/article04.php

- Per Johan

JOhn,
The 16x will work fine. SUcks a little more power than the 20x, but otherwise fine. Also, you should do better than 350 on Ebay. I picked one up for $103.

Congrats on your research finding the body only kit for 2200. If this is a new unit, you have to be very careful such that there are some online e-stores that use this low price tactic for a body only part number that does not exist. When you attempt to purchase this item, to your shock and amazement, you will find that it only ships with the optional lens, battery charger and battery for a price closer to that which is realistic. Canon does not have such a SKU for just a body stripped of the usual extras that are packaged with the cam. Caveat emptor. (sp!)

If your findings were for a used body only, (a rare find) then proceed as you would with any used peice of electronic equipment.

id like to find a used body only.. im planning on selling my xl1s package this summer and buying the xl2 body for use with the letus35xl.. and just not bothering with the 16x or 20x lenses.