Upgrading from EF-S 18-20mm.

[DSLR_Newbie]

Hi,

I wish to upgrade from my existing 18-200mm lens to something better and before everyone starts raving about the 70-200 F2.8 II I would like to stop you there. I know its a great lens but its not in the budget.

I am a very casual photographer with a 60D and going pro is not on the cards. I use my camera to take pics of my family and that's pretty much it. I use the 17-55 indoors but i need something for the outdoors with a bit of a reach. the 18-200mm is fine but wanna upgrade to something that is optically better.

In terms of the budget...I can stretch MAX up to price range of 1200(with a lot of explaining and convincing the Mrs. and including whatever i can get for the 18-200) Cheaper options would be great.

Thanks