The 8 Best Canon Rebel T3i Lenses

Here are the 8 best lenses for the Canon EOS Rebel T3i. A wide selection of focal lengths for several kinds of photography are mentioned. Additionally, each choice will have more options for higher or lower price ranges.

There are plenty of options available that every photographer will be able to find something they’d want in their camera bag.

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  1. Best All-Around Zoom: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
  2. Best Telephoto Zoom: Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS
  3. Best Prime Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
  4. Best Lens for Video: Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
  5. Best Lens for Portraits: Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
  6. Best Lens for Sports & Wildlife: Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
  7. Best Lens for Landscapes: Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM
  8. Best Lens for Macro: Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
best all-in-one lens for the Canon Rebel T3i DSLR
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 USM

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM: The lens was built for the EF-S mount which is found on cameras that feature APS-C sized sensors. The construction quality is similar to what you would expect from Canon’s full-frame L-series. It is a major improvement from the zoom lens sold as a kit with the EOS Rebel T3i.

The large maximum aperture is continuous through the entire zoom range making it possible for a shallow depth of field and spectacular background blur. Built-in image stabilization helps to counter camera shake and improves photo sharpness.

If out of all Canon lenses that are available, you could only pick just one, this is going to be the best choice.

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Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD: Optical image stabilization means you can take sharp images up to 4 stops slower than with no optical stabilization. With the large aperture and very usable zoom range, the lens is good for everything from landscapes to portraits.

Based on enthusiastic customer reviews, users love this lens. It could be your first pick.

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Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: This lens has an equivalent zoom range in 35mm format of 24-136mm, making it a great choice to leave on your camera for everyday use. It is also among the most useful picks for travel.

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Best Telephoto Zoom Lens Rebel T3i
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS: This is like having a bunch of zoom lenses packed into one. With a 16.6x zoom ratio, all focal lengths from telephoto to wide angle are covered. Developed with 17 elements in 13 groups, with four FLD and 1 SLD element, means the lens is able to capture high-quality, sharp crisp shots, without having to worry about optical imperfections.

The large zoom span will come at the cost of being heavy and large. There are other selections that will be more comfortable to dedicate a day walking around with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i.

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Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS: This serves as a small and lightweight lens that still contains a sizeable zoom range. This is a terrific solution that supplies good performance, 4 stops of stabilization, and has an affordable price. This will likely be the lens to get to avoid unnecessary size and weight.

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Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III: Smaller sized and lighter weight than the other lenses previously mentioned, which is a benefit if you would prefer not to transport a heavy camera. The focal length is equal to 120-to-480mm on a Canon APS-C sensor, which all EOS Rebel cameras contain.

It is additionally very low-priced, thanks to the lack of image stabilization. This is one of the best lenses to use outside with lots of light.

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Best prime lens for canon eos rebel T3i
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: Outstanding picture level of quality in a small and lightweight build which is one of the best lenses built by Canon. The large f/1.8 aperture makes this classic focal length a great choice for low light photography. A must have lens for all photographers that can find a role in every kit.

Be careful to avoid the previous version because the motor that drives the focusing system is laggy and noisy. You will probably not be fond of the outcome of hoping to save a small amount of money. This is especially applicable if you are going to use the camera for video.

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Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: Of all the solutions created for the Canon EF-S mount, this is the smallest and thinnest. The overall size can’t be outdone as it is a “pancake” wide angle lens that makes it an ideal choice for travel photography. The minimum focusing distance images can be shot at is 16cm (6 inches).

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Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM: An astounding example of what the latest optical engineering is capable of. It captures razor sharp pictures from corner to corner, even when shot wide open. The hyper-sonic motor (HSM) allows fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus.

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best lens for video and blogging
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM: Out of all the lenses for Canon, this is the best choice for capturing video. Having the ultra-wide-angle zoom range is ideally suited for creating videos and vlogging. A stepping motor (STM) provides smooth precise autofocus that will not cause any noise which can ruin audio. It is also light and small enough to not feel heavy while on the Canon EOS Rebel T3i.

Be aware that you can purchase the Canon portrait and travel lens kit that contains the 50mm f/1.8 STM. The combination is an ideal choice if you want to get 2 of the best lenses for Canon, while at the same time saving a small amount of money.

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Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8: It is simple and easy to quickly switch from auto focus to manual focus without taking your hand off the focus ring because of the one-touch focus clutch mechanism. With a large f/2.8 constant aperture this lens will be a good way to do astrophotography.

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Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD: Here is another wide angle zoom lens that is loaded with optical innovation. An internal focusing system means a petal-type lens hood which does a lot better job of preventing flare than a round hood. Silent functionality is guaranteed by a hyper sonic motor (HSM).

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best lenses for portrait photography
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: It may be the most favored lens for portrait photography created by Canon. The large f/1.8 aperture is an excellent choice for low light photography and has the ability to produce a shallow depth of field, with attractive bokeh, to draw attention to the subject. For wedding photographers, this is a indispensable lens to get.

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Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM: A very good lens that is suitable for portrait photography ın addition to street, studio work, and landscape, with a professional construction quality. There is minimal distortion or vignetting and it’s tack sharp from corner to corner, even wide open.

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Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM: Very close to the Canon 85mm f/1.8, but provides a marginally longer focal length. Just like the other two lenses, it is very good for low-light shooting in a compact body that is easy to use.

Manufacture of this lens has stopped, so finding a new copy may be challenging. Many used copies are still available for purchase. Check a few sites to find the most competitive price.

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best lenses for sports and wildlife
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2: The G2 is the 2nd generation of this lens and represents a large advancement from Tamron. Image quality level has gotten much better across the whole zoom range and at the same time having a superb build quality. An ultrasonic silent drive motor powers the autofocus that is incredibly precise and fast. With this on your camera, you’ll experience no trouble capturing excellent action or wildlife images.

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Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM: The Sigma provides a streamlined and light construction for a telephoto zoom lens. In addition to the optical stabilizer and hyper sonic motor, it contains a built-in accelerometer which can improve photographs when panning. As an additional benefit, there’s almost always a promo deal that includes additional items including free shipping when you order the lens. That’s great since free camera gear is difficult to pass up.

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Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM: Without a doubt, this lens has superior photo performance than the other two. However, that level of high performance is attached to a substantial price that is much larger than that of the camera. One of many fantastic features of this lens is a rotation-type zoom ring which includes adjustable torque adjustments making it possible to customize the lens to your personal taste.

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best lens for landscape photography
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM: Coming in at only 14.3oz (405g), this lens is a wide angle that is still small and light. There is a full-time manual focus override, even when the lens is set to AF, that enables perfect focus to be achieved. If you plan on bringing the Rebel T3i with you on hikes, this lens is an excellent choice as it will fit in almost any camera bag.

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Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC: Offering a built-in petal-type lens hood, this ultra-wide-angle lens is a inexpensive choice. An excellent solution for not just purely landscapes but also for astrophotography and real estate. The closest focusing distance is 10.8 inches (14 cm), but that will cause exaggerated distortion effects.

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Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: With a truly professional build, the 20mm is the widest lens Sigma offers in the Art series. Having 11 groups having 15 elements with a 5 Special Low Disperson and a Low Dispersion glass element, axial chromatic aberration, field curvature, and spherical aberration are nearly completely gone.

It is a somewhat heavy and sizeable hunk of glass. Don’t count on it to be nicely balanced when on the camera.

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best canon rebel T3i macro lens
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM: The first to be specifically built by Canon for the EF-S mount, this is a true macro lens, able to obtain 1x magnification. During focusing, the front element does not rotate, as the lens was designed with an internal focusing system. You’re going to appreciate the razor sharp photos created by this lens. It is a fantastic choice to use with the EOS Rebel T3i due to the value and small size being hard to outdo.

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Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: With internal focusing and stabilization, it’s clear why this is a top of the line pro L-series lens. It is a great choice to take out into the field since it is weather sealed. Get this lens and you will not need to go looking for another option.

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Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro: With recessed front element and an outstanding working distance, you’ll most likely never need to make use of the hood. Having said that, it does not have an internal focusing system, so the lens will extend when closely focusing on a subject.

Another possible limitation if you would like to use it for portraits is that it doesn’t have any kind of built-in stabilization. That won’t be a concern if it’s used with a flash.

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