The 8 Best Canon Rebel T1i Lenses
This is a list of the 8 best lenses for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. A variety of focal lengths for several kinds of photography are covered. In addition to the recommended lenses, each choice will have more alternatives for higher or lower prices.
There are plenty of possibilities available that every photographer should be able to discover something they’d want in their camera bag.
Best Canon Rebel T1i Lenses:
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- Best All-Around Zoom: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
- Best Telephoto Zoom: Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS
- Best Prime Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Best Lens for Video: Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
- Best Lens for Portraits: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
- Best Lens for Sports & Wildlife: Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
- Best Lens for Landscapes: Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM
- Best Lens for Macro: Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
All-Around Best Zoom Lenses
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM: The quality of this lens is in line with Canon’s full-frame L-series, but it is meant for APS-C sensor cameras that have the EF-S mount. It is a significant improvement from the zoom sold as a kit with the EOS Rebel T1i.
A shallow depth of field with a fantastic background blur is available through the entire zoom range because of a large constant maximum aperture. The built-in image stabilization helps to counteract camera shake and contributes to photo sharpness.
If out of all Canon lenses offered, you could only select just one, this would be the best option.
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Pros:
- Versatile focal length range for various photography needs
- Wide aperture of f/2.8 allows for great low-light performance
- Image stabilization helps reduce camera shake Cons:
- Designed specifically for Canon APS-C sensor cameras
- Relatively large and heavy compared to other lenses
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: With an equivalent zoom in full frame format of 24-136mm, it is a great pick for general use. It is additionally among the most desirable options to take with you when traveling.
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Pros:
- Versatile focal length range, suitable for a wide range of photography needs
- Image stabilization (IS) feature helps reduce camera shake and allows for sharper images
- Ultrasonic Motor (USM) provides fast and quiet autofocus performance
- Good build quality and durability
- Decent image quality with good sharpness and color rendition
- Effective distortion and chromatic aberration control
- Suitable for both wide-angle and telephoto shooting scenarios
Cons:
- Variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits low-light performance compared to lenses with a fixed wider aperture
- Relatively expensive compared to some other EF-S lenses
- Some users have reported issues with autofocus accuracy and reliability in certain situations
- Lens barrel extends while zooming, making it slightly less compact for storage and transportation
- Not compatible with full-frame (EF) cameras
It’s worth noting that while the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens has its limitations, it still offers a versatile focal length range and useful features such as image stabilization and fast autofocus. Ultimately, the suitability of this lens will depend on individual shooting preferences and specific photographic requirements.
Best Telephoto Zooms
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS: This lens offers a remarkable feature set that makes it a versatile option for photographers. With image stabilization technology, you can capture sharp and clear images even when shooting at slower shutter speeds, providing stability equivalent to up to 4 stops of compensation. This is particularly beneficial when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions.
The lens boasts a large aperture and an impressive zoom range, allowing you to capture a wide variety of subjects and scenes with ease. From expansive landscapes to detailed portraits, this lens is capable of delivering exceptional results across different photography genres.
One of the standout aspects of this lens is the positive reception it has received from owners and reviewers alike. The enthusiastic reviews highlight its excellent performance and reliability. It has garnered a reputation as a go-to lens that many photographers keep permanently mounted to their camera bodies due to its versatility and impressive capabilities.
Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast looking to expand your creative possibilities, the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS lens offers a compelling combination of image stabilization, a wide aperture, and a versatile zoom range, making it a valuable addition to your photography gear.
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Pros:
- Extremely versatile zoom range for a wide variety of shooting scenarios
- Optical stabilization for reducing camera shake
- Convenient all-in-one solution for travel or casual photography Cons:
- Variable aperture range limits low-light performance
- Image quality may not be as sharp compared to specialized lenses
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS: This is an example of a portable and lightweight lens that is still equippedwith a sizeable zoom range. This is an awesome solution that supplies first-rate functionality, 4 stops of stabilization, all at a reasonable price. This can be the lens to get to avoid increased size and weight.
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Pros:
- Versatile focal length range, covering wide-angle to telephoto, suitable for various photography needs
- Image stabilization (IS) feature helps reduce camera shake and allows for sharper images, especially when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions
- All-in-one lens solution, eliminating the need to carry multiple lenses and offering convenience for travel or casual photography
Cons:
- Variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits low-light performance compared to lenses with a fixed wider aperture
- Some compromise in image quality compared to specialized lenses due to the extensive focal length range
- Build quality and durability may not be as robust as higher-end lenses
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III: Smaller and lighter weight than the lenses previously mentioned, than can be an important consideration if you do not want to transport a bulky camera. The focal length is equivalent to 120-480mm on all EOS Rebel cameras as they have Canon APS-C sensors.
Due to the lack of built-in image stabilization, it’s actually very cost effective. This lens works best outdoors with ample amounts of ambient light.
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Pros:
- Affordable telephoto lens option
- Lightweight and portable design
- Decent reach for distant subjects
Cons:
- Variable aperture limits low-light performance
- Soft image quality, especially at longer focal lengths
- Limited autofocus capabilities and slower focus speed
Best Prime Lenses
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This is one of the best lenses built by Canon as it offers great image quality, but still comes in a portable and lightweight package. The fast f/1.8 aperture makes this classic focal length an ideal choice for low light shooting. An invaluable lens for all photographers that can find a role in any camera kit.
Stay away from the earlier version as the motor that drives the focusing system is loud and laggy. By looking to save a small amount of money, you will likely not be fond of the result. This is doubly relevant if you want to record video with the camera.
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Pros:
- Affordable and budget-friendly option
- Wide aperture of f/1.8 for excellent low-light and shallow depth of field
- Compact and lightweight design Cons:
- Fixed focal length limits flexibility
- Some distortion and vignetting at wider apertures
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: The most compact and slimmest lens engineered for Canon’s EF-S mount. A true “pancake” wide angle lens that causes it to be the ultimate pick for travel photography as the overall size is hard to beat. The smallest focus distance images can be shot at is 6" (16cm).
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Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM: A terrific creation demonstrating what the latest optical engineering is able to produce. It captures razor sharp images from corner to corner, even if shot wide open. The hyper-sonic motor (HSM) delivers accurate, fast, and quiet autofocus.
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Best Lenses for Video & Vlogging
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM: Among all the Canon lenses, this is the most appropriate choice for video. Having the ultra-wide-angle zoom range is ideal for vlogging and creating videos. The stepping motor (STM) provides smooth accurate autofocus that isn’t going to create any sound which can negatively impact audio. Furthermore, it is light weight and compact enough to not become tiresome to handle when used on the Canon EOS Rebel T1i.
Consider that you can also get the Portrait and travel two lens kit that comes with the 50mm f/1.8 STM. The bundle is an ideal solution if you want to get two of the best lenses for Canon, while saving a bit of money.
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Pros:
- Ultra-wide angle for capturing expansive landscapes or architecture
- Image stabilization for reducing camera shake
- Silent and smooth autofocus during video recording Cons:
- Variable aperture limits low-light performance
- Not compatible with full-frame Canon cameras
Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8: The one-touch focus clutch allows you to effortlessly switch from manual to auto focus without moving your hand off the focusing ring. The lens is also a decent pick to get into astrophotography since it has a f/2.8 aperture.
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Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD: Another wide angle zoom lens that is brimming with optical tech. An internal focusing system makes it possible to use a petal-type lens hood that typically will do a significantly better job of preventing glare than a standard hood. A hyper sonic motor (HSM) delivers silent operation.
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Best Lenses for Portrait Photography
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: Many people would consider this lens the most liked lens for portrait photography offered by Canon. The large f/1.8 aperture is a good choice for low light shooting and can be used to create a shallow depth of field, with great bokeh, to isolate the photo subject. This is a must have for wedding photographers.
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Pros:
- Excellent portrait lens with a flattering focal length
- Wide aperture of f/1.8 for beautiful background blur (bokeh)
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance Cons:
- Fixed focal length limits versatility
- Slight softness at wider apertures
Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM: A true pro level lens that definitely is an excellent pick for portraits as well as street, studio work, and landscape. Amazingly sharp from corner to corner wide open with very little vignetting or distortion.
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Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM: Comparable to the Canon 85mm f/1.8, but was designed with a marginally narrower field of view. Compared to the other two lenses mentioned, it’s terrific for low-light shooting in a streamlined package that’s comfortable to use.
This is a discontinued lens, so finding a new one could be hard. Many pre-owned copies are still readily available. Make sure to check a variety of sites to find the lowest price.
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Best Sports & Wildlife Lenses
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2: This second gen lens is a great improvement from Tamron. Image quality has gotten much better through the entire zoom range and also still having an excellent build quality. The autofocus uses an ultrasonic silent drive motor that is truly accurate and fast. With this on your camera, you’ll find you experience no difficulties capturing awesome wildlife or action photos.
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Pros:
- Impressive telephoto zoom range for sports and wildlife photography
- Effective image stabilization for handheld shooting
- Weather-sealed construction for outdoor use Cons:
- Relatively large and heavy lens
- Variable aperture limits low-light performance
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM: The Sigma boasts a streamlined and lightweight build considering it is a hyper-telephoto zoom lens. Additionally, the optical stabilization and hyper sonic motor, there’s an accelerometer that helps improve shots when panning. As a added perka , there’s almost always a promotional deal that features additional accessories as well as free shipping when you buy the lens. That’s appealing as free camera gear is tough to turn down.
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Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM: Undeniably, this lens has superior image quality than the others. Unfortunately, that level of quality comes with a big price that is much larger than that of the camera. One of the several great features this lens has is a rotation-type zoom ring which has adjustable torque adjustments making it possible to customize the lens to your personal preference.
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Best Lenses for Landscape Photography
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM: This this lens is a wide angle that is surprisingly lightweight and small, weighing just 14.3oz (405g). Even when set to autofocus there’s a manual focus override, which makes it easier to nail focus. If you intend on bringing the Rebel T1i with you on hikes, this lens is a very good selection as it is going to fit into just about any camera bag.
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Pros:
- Wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes or architecture
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance
- Compact and lightweight design Cons:
- Fixed focal length limits versatility
- Some distortion at wider apertures
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC: This is a inexpensive ultra-wide lens with a built-in petal-type lens hood. An outstanding pick for not just landscape photography but as well as for astrophotography and real estate. Photographs can be taken as close as 10.8 inches (14 cm), but the results will have exaggerated distortion.
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Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: The widest lens in the Sigma Art series lineup, the 20mm has got a truly professional construction. Made with 11 groups having 15 elements with a 5 Special Low Disperson and a Low Dispersion glass element, field curvature, axial chromatic aberration, and spherical aberration have all been greatly reduced.
It is a noticeably heavy and large hunk of glass. You shouldn’t expect it being well balanced when mounted on the camera.
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Best Canon Macro Lenses
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM: A true macro lens, that can reach 1x magnification, and the first to be designed by Canon for the EF-S mount. It was designed with internal focusing, meaning the front element will not rotate when focusing. You’ll appreciate the tack sharp photos produced by this lens. It is an excellent option to use on the EOS Rebel T1i because of the small size and reasonable price being tough to beat.
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Pros:
- Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography
- Excellent sharpness and detail reproduction
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance Cons:
- Fixed focal length limits versatility
- Limited working distance for larger subjects
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: A top of the line pro L-series lens with image stabilization and an internal focusing system. It is weather sealed, and that means it is a good pick to bring out into the field in harsh conditions. Get this lens and you’ll not need to go searching for an alternative.
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Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro: With a recessed front element and an excellent working distance, you will likely never need to use the lens hood. However, it does not have an internal focusing system, so the lens will extend when closely focusing on a subject.
Yet another possible drawback if you desire to use it for portraits is that it doesn’t have any kind of built-in stabilization. However, if you use flash that will not be a problem.
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