If you want to improve your photos with the Canon Rebel T3i, choosing the right lens is important. The lens you pick can help you take sharper portraits, clearer zoom shots, or just make your camera more flexible.
There are many lenses to choose from, from budget-friendly to high-end. This can make choosing one hard. Keep reading to find seven lenses that can help you take better pictures and get more out of your camera.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
- 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
- Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a great pick for Rebel T3i users. It helps you take sharp, high-quality photos. The lens is small and affordable, making it easy to carry around. With a 50mm focal length (80mm on APS-C sensors), it works well for portraits, low-light shots, and creative blurs. Its f/1.8 aperture helps you get nice results in darker places and makes your backgrounds look soft.
This lens is lightweight, so it’s comfortable to hold during trips or long photo sessions. The near-silent STM autofocus moves quietly, so it’s perfect for shooting videos or taking quick, candid shots. It’s built with good materials and special coatings that stop glare or ghost images, so your pictures stay bright and clear. Plus, this lens costs less than many others, making it good for beginners and hobbyists.
Best for: People new to photography, vloggers, or anyone who wants a small, affordable lens that takes sharp photos in low light.
Pros:
- Sharp images with bright colors
- Quiet autofocus, great for videos
- Small and light, easy to carry and use for a long time
Cons:
- Fixed 50mm focal length means you can’t zoom out or wide-angle shot
- Autofocus may be a little slow in tough lighting
- No image stabilization, so you need a steady hand in dark conditions
This lens helps you take beautiful photos easily. Its simple design makes it perfect for beginners who want to learn and improve their pictures.
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
- 75-300 millimeter telephoto zoom lens with f 4-5.6 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
- Improved mechanism makes zooming smoother; front part of zoom ring sports silver ring
- Measures 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches long; weighs 16.8 ounces; 1-year warranty
If you want an affordable telephoto lens that covers a good zoom range, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is a great pick for Canon Rebel T3i users. This lens zooms from 75mm to 300mm, so it’s perfect for taking pictures of wildlife, sports, or portraits. It has 13 glass elements that help make your photos sharp, especially at 75mm and up to 200mm. It doesn’t have image stabilization, so you need to keep the camera steady or use fast shutter speeds. The lens is lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to carry around. You can also attach 58mm filters or macro accessories, adding more options for your photos. It’s a budget-friendly choice for outdoor and casual photography.
Best For: Beginners or anyone using a Canon Rebel T3i who wants an affordable, versatile zoom lens for outdoor, wildlife, sports, or everyday photos.
Pros:
- Gives clear, sharp pictures from 75mm to 200mm, good for portraits and wildlife
- Easy to hold and carry, thanks to its light weight and tough build
- Works with 58mm filters and macro tools for more shooting options
Cons:
- No image stabilization, so you need a steady hand or quick shots
- Autofocus can be slow in low light
- Some sharpness drops at full zoom or when cropping images
This lens offers good quality at a low price. It’s simple to use and helps you get great photos outside, capturing animals, sports, or family moments.
Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Cameras with Filters and Extra Lenses
- Comprehensive Gear – This 58mm lens kit for Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II STM is a comprehensive equipment set essential for photographers. It bundles a vast array...
- Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens – With its 0.43x wide angle lens, it allows you to add depth and dimension to your shots and this can be split into two macros....
- Compatibilities - This 58mm lens kit is compatible with Canon EOS 80D 77D 1100D 700D 650D 600D 550D 7D, Mark II 6D Mark II 5DS 5D Mark IV 1D Mark II, Rebel T8i...
Looking for a lens kit that works well for beginners and hobbyists? The Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon cameras gives you everything you need in one package. It includes a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II STM lens, a wide-angle lens with 43x zoom, a 2.2x telephoto zoom, and a 7-piece filter set. The filters come with UV filters and close-up filters to help you get better shots. The kit fits many Canon cameras and is made with strong materials and multi-coated glass. This helps you take clear photos and keeps your lenses protected. The set also has extra lenses, lens hoods, and filters. You can use it for portraits, landscapes, close-up shots, and distant photos. It’s a good choice for new photographers who want to try many kinds of photography without spending a lot.
Best For: Beginners, hobbyists, and students looking for an affordable kit. It helps you learn and try different kinds of photos with versatile lenses and safety accessories.
Pros:
- Comes with different lenses and filters for macro, landscape, and portrait photos
- Made with sturdy steel barrels and multi-coated glass for clear pictures and long use
- Fits many Canon models and other cameras with 58mm thread size
Cons:
- Some users say the threads on the lenses don’t fit well or are hard to put together
- Lenses may come loose or get damaged if not packed or stored properly
- The kit does not include microfiber cleaning cloths, so you may need to buy those separately to keep your lenses clean
This lens kit is a simple way to grow your photography skills. It gives you a mix of lenses and filters to help you take better photos of everything around you.
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Kit with 2 Lenses (EF18-55mm & EF75-300mm)
- Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF and eye detection AF 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology working temperature range: 32-104°F/0-40°C
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
If you want an affordable camera that helps you take good photos, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great choice. It comes with two lenses. One is an EF 18-55mm lens, good for everyday pictures. The other is an EF 75-300mm zoom lens, perfect for wildlife, sports, or portraits.
This camera has a 24.1-megapixel sensor. That means your pictures will be clear and full of details. It works well even in low light. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. These let you share photos quickly to your phone or tablet. It records full HD videos, which look good on screens. However, it does not record in 4K, so you won’t get ultra-high-definition videos.
The Rebel T7 is light and easy to hold. Its simple controls make it great for beginners. The kit lenses give you options for different kinds of photos. You can shoot portraits, wildlife, sports, or just everyday moments.
This camera is a good deal. It offers reliability and flexibility as you learn photography.
Who is it good for?
It works well for new photographers and amateurs who want a versatile DSLR camera with two lenses.
Advantages:
- Easy to use. The menus and auto modes help beginners get good shots.
- Two lenses give you more options for different photo styles.
- Small and light, so it’s easy to carry around.
Disadvantages:
- It does not shoot in 4K, so videos are only in full HD.
- The LCD screen stays fixed; it doesn’t tilt or flip. This can make it harder to take selfies or shoot from tricky angles.
- Autofocus in live view mode is okay but not the fastest.
This camera is a simple, reliable choice for anyone starting out in photography. Its two lenses and easy features make it a good way to learn and grow as a photographer.
EF 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens for Canon EOS Cameras
- [Easy-to-Use Warm Tips] - ⚠Fully manual, Non-autofocus(Advantages: precise focus control, creative freedom, high adaptability, stability and durability, and...
- [Professional Manual Focus Experience] - Tailored for photographers who pursue the ultimate, the 85mm F1.8 lens adopts a fully manual focus design, requiring...
- [Superb Image Quality & Charming Bokeh] - The 85mm F1.8 lens is equipped with 6 rounded aperture blades, a smooth large focus ring design, and an internal focus...
The EF 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens is a good choice for Canon EOS Rebel T3i cameras. It helps you take clear, beautiful portraits with nice background blur. The lens has a medium telephoto length and a wide F1.8 aperture. This lets you focus on your subject and make the background soft and blurry. It is built for creative control with manual focus, giving you the freedom to adjust your shots exactly how you want. The lens has coatings and special elements that help reduce unwanted colors and distortions. While it has some small mechanical issues like slight wiggle and loose screws, many users find it sturdy and capable of making sharp portraits. It’s a great lens for capturing expressive faces and artistic photos.
Best For: People using Canon EOS Rebel T series cameras who want to take high-quality portraits with blurry backgrounds and enjoy manual focusing.
Pros:
- Creates sharp images with beautiful bokeh, perfect for artistic portraits.
- Fully manual focus gives you precise control over your shots.
- Made mostly of metal, making it sturdy and lightweight.
Cons:
- Some mechanical issues like tiny wiggles and loose screws can affect focusing and durability.
- No electronic contacts, so autofocus and aperture control are manual.
- Some users have trouble with focus accuracy at certain distances or notice light leaks in some cases.
JINTU Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS DSLR Cameras
- ★ JINTU 420-800mm MF Super HD Telephoto lens, Solid Construction with full metal body, Small size 10.6 x 3.5 x 3.5 inch, lightweight 700g=1.8LB, easy to carry...
- ★ Ultra high definition image quality from Japan, Multi coated low-dispersion glass. Free canon adapter supply. If your camera is Nikon, Pentax, Sony e mount...
- ★ Compatible with Canon EOS Rebel T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T7, T6i, T6s, T7i, SL1, SL2, 60D, 70D, 77D, 80D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 5D, 1D, 5D III, 5D IV,...
Looking for an affordable telephoto lens for your Canon EOS Rebel T3i? The JINTU Telephoto Zoom Lens is a great choice. It has a zoom range from 420mm to 800mm, so you can get close to faraway subjects like animals, the moon, or sports scenes. The lens is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around when you go outside to take photos.
This lens is built with high-quality, multi-coated glass from Japan. It gives clear, sharp pictures in good light. But it does not have auto-focus or image stabilization. This means you need to use a tripod and focus manually to get good images. It can be tricky at first, but with some practice, you can take nice shots. Plus, it costs less than $70 often, which makes it affordable for hobbyists or anyone on a budget.
This lens is best for people who want a cheap, long-distance zoom for outdoor photos. It works well for wildlife, moon shots, and sports. Just remember, it’s not perfect for every photo. You might see some chromatic aberration or focus shift when zoomed in very far. You may need to do some editing after your shoot to fix those small problems.
Best For: Hobbyists and beginner photographers who want an affordable telephoto lens for outdoor wildlife, moon shots, and sports with their DSLR.
Pros:
- Big zoom range from 420mm to 800mm.
- Small and light, easy to carry outside.
- Very affordable, often under $70.
Cons:
- No auto-focus or image stabilization.
- Harder to focus precisely, especially for beginners.
- Sometimes pictures can have color fringing or blur when zoomed in a lot.
EF/EF-S 420-800mm F/8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
- [Easy-to-Use Warm Tips] - ⚠Fully manual(Advantages: precise focus control, creative freedom, high adaptability, stability and durability, and learning value)...
- [Professional Manual Focus Experience] - Tailored for photographers who pursue the ultimate, the 420-800mm F8.3 lens adopts a fully manual focus design,...
- [Super Telephoto Zoom Lens] - The 420-800mm f/8.3-16 full-frame zoom lens is designed specifically for professional photographers. It includes an adapter ring...
If you like to take photos of things far away, like animals, airplanes, or stars, the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F/8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens is a good choice. It’s an affordable lens made for Canon DSLR cameras. It doesn’t have autofocus, so you need to focus manually. This means you turn a ring to focus on your subject.
The lens uses internal focus and special coating technology to help prevent flare and reduce blurry edges. It works best with a tripod because it’s heavy, about 1.76 pounds. Using a tripod keeps your shots sharp when you are zoomed in far away.
This lens is great for taking pictures of wildlife or the night sky without costing too much. It’s a good option if you are experienced and ready to learn manual focus. It offers long-distance photos at a low price, but it might be tricky for beginners.
Best for: Hobbyists or budget-conscious photographers who want to shoot distant subjects with manual focus.
Pros:
- Low price for long-range photos
- Built well and works with Canon DSLRs
- Good for capturing far-away scenes like animals or stars
Cons:
- Needs manual focus, no autofocus
- Some users say it feels less durable
- Heavy, so a tripod is needed for steady shots
This lens helps you get close to distant scenes. Just remember, manual focus takes patience and practice. If you don’t mind working a little harder, it can give you sharp pictures of things far away without costing a lot.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Canon Rebel T3i Lenses
When choosing a lens for your Canon Rebel T3i, think about a few simple things. First, look at autofocus. A good autofocus helps your photos stay sharp and clear. Next, consider the aperture size. A bigger aperture lets in more light, which makes your pictures brighter and better in low light.
Focal length flexibility is also helpful. It lets you zoom in and out easily, so you can take different kinds of photos. Optical image stabilization is nice too because it keeps your pictures steady, especially when you’re moving or shooting handheld.
Finally, think about how your lens performs in low light. If you plan to take photos in dim places, choose a lens that works well in low light.
Autofocus Capabilities
When choosing lenses for your Canon Rebel T3i, it’s important to think about autofocus. Lenses with built-in autofocus motors, like USM, STM, or ring-type USM, focus quickly and quietly. This makes them good for taking photos and recording videos. If a lens doesn’t have electronic contacts or autofocus motors, you’ll need to focus it by hand. Manual focus can be slower and harder to do in fast-moving situations.
The T3i has a 9-point autofocus system. It works best when you use lenses with compatible autofocus motors. For smooth, quiet autofocus that’s perfect for videos, look for lenses with STM technology. Autofocus speed and accuracy depend on the motor inside the lens, how it’s built, and the lighting. Choosing good autofocus lenses will help you take better photos and make shooting easier.
Aperture Size Range
The aperture size range on your Canon Rebel T3i lens affects how your pictures turn out. The aperture is the opening that lets in light. When the aperture is wide, like f/1.8 or f/2.8, it lets in more light. This helps when you shoot in low light or want a blurry background to make your subject stand out.
When the aperture is narrow, like f/22 or f/32, it blocks more light. This helps keep everything in focus, which is good for landscape photos or close-up shots where you want every detail to be clear.
Lenses come with different aperture ranges. Some have a fixed aperture, meaning it doesn’t change. Others are zoom lenses, and their aperture changes as you zoom in or out. Choosing the right lens means paying attention to its aperture range. A wider range gives you more options for different scenes.
In simple terms, a larger aperture size lets in more light and creates a blurry background, while a smaller aperture keeps more of your picture sharp. Think about what you want to take a photo of, and pick a lens with an aperture range that fits your needs.
Optical Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilization, or OIS, is a useful feature to look for in Canon Rebel T3i lenses. It helps keep your pictures sharp by reducing camera shake. This is especially helpful in low-light settings or when you take photos at slow shutter speeds. OIS lets you hold the camera in your hand and still get clear images. It works by moving lens parts or the sensor very quickly to match small movements of your hand. Some systems can fix shakes up to several stops, which improves your picture quality. But remember, OIS is not a substitute for a tripod for very long or detailed shots. Still, it’s a handy feature that makes handheld photography easier and better with your T3i.
Focal Length Flexibility
Focal length flexibility helps you choose the right lens for your Canon Rebel T3i. It tells you how much of a scene you can see without changing the lens. A lens with a wide range of focal lengths lets you shoot many kinds of photos easily. For example, zoom lenses can go from wide-angle shots to close-up shots, so you can quickly change how your photo looks. Prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length, often give better picture quality and bigger openings for more light. But they don’t zoom in or out.
Remember that the Rebel T3i has an APS-C sensor. This means the lens’s focal length appears about 1.6 times longer. So, a 50mm lens looks like a 80mm lens on this camera. Picking a lens with adjustable focal length makes it easier to take different kinds of photos. It helps you shoot landscapes, portraits, and more. A flexible lens makes your photography experience more fun and convenient.
Low-Light Performance
When choosing lenses for your Canon Rebel T3i, low-light performance depends on a few simple things. First, look for lenses with wide apertures like f/1.8 or f/2.8. These allow more light to enter, helping you take better photos in dark places. Optical image stabilization is also helpful. It reduces blur caused by hand movements, so your pictures stay sharp even when it’s dim. The focal length of the lens matters too. Shorter focal lengths usually gather more light and give a wider view, which is useful in low light. Good coatings on the lens prevent glare and ghost images from artificial lights. Lastly, you can adjust your camera’s exposure settings manually. This lets you control how bright your photo looks and reduce noise. By keeping these points in mind, you can pick lenses that help you take clear, bright photos in low-light situations.
Build Durability
When choosing lenses for your Canon Rebel T3i, look for one that can last a long time. Start by checking if the lens has a metal mount. Metal mounts stay secure and resist wear, so your lens stays attached well over time. If the lens is weather-sealed or splash-proof, it can protect against dust, rain, and outdoor dirt. This makes it good for taking pictures outside.
Look for lenses with high-quality glass that is multi-coated. This coating reduces scratches, glare, and lens flare. It helps your lens work well for a longer time. Also, pick lenses with sturdy barrels that do not break easily if you accidentally drop them or handle them roughly.
Check that the focus and zoom rings turn smoothly. Good mechanical parts mean fewer problems later. When you choose lenses with these features, you get a longer-lasting tool that performs well in tough conditions. A lens built strong and with simple, reliable parts means it can serve you well for many shots to come.
Budget Considerations
Setting a clear budget helps you find the right lens for your camera. Decide how much money you want to spend before you start shopping. This will help you ignore lenses that are too expensive or too cheap for your needs.
Look for lenses that give you the best value. This means finding a lens that has the features you use often, like a good aperture size and good image quality. Usually, more expensive lenses last longer and work faster, but you don’t always need that. If you’re just starting out, a simple lens or a kit lens can be a good choice.
Remember that buying a lens also means extra costs. You might want filters, lens caps, or cleaning kits, which all add to your total spend. Keep your budget in mind, but also think about what features are most important for your photos. This way, you can pick a lens that fits your money and helps you take great pictures.
Last update on 2025-12-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
