Fun & Affordable Canon Rebel SL2 Memory Cards (200D)

The Canon SL2 was designed to use EF-S lenses. It was released as the 200D in Europe and Kiss X9 in Japan.

Full frame, EF lenses, can also be used. The downside is that they are larger and more expensive.

It has a 24.2 APS-C sensor and was released in 2017. It’s still a great camera, but it doesn’t make sense to buy expensive lenses for it.

My recommendations are going to be focused small, light, inexpensive, and fun lenses. They’ll be perfect for enjoying your camera.

Canon SL2 Memory Card Requirements

Lens Abbreviations

Image stabilization (IS) is the feature you want.

For video, get lenses with an STM motor. They are quieter, so focusing noises won’t be as noticeable.

• IS - Image stabilization. This is helpful for reducing the effects of camera shake, producing sharper images.
• IF - Internal Focus. The lens will not extend or retract when focusing.
• L - Luxury. They will have a red ring around the front of the lens. These are the highest quality lenses, designed for professional use.
• USM - The lens has an UltraSonic Motor.
• STM - The lens has a stepper motor, which is quieter than an USM lens. Better for video.
• EF-S - The lens has been designed for use on a camera with an APS-C sized sensor, like the T7.
• EF - Indicates it is a full frame lens. They can be used on the T7.
• I, II, or III - Signifies the generation of the lens.

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Best Value - Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6

• EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM (2017)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (2013)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II (2011)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III (2011)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (2007)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM (2005)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II (2005)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM (2004)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (2004)

Any version with IS is going to be the best value lens. If you already have one without IS, it’s not worth upgrading.

The 18-55mm is the commonly used focal range. Not only will you be able to take landscapes, architecture, street, vacation, portraits, and group photos, but you can have lots of fun doing it!

They were the kit lens with almost every EF-S camera, there’s millions of them. If you pay attention, you can a used lens with IS for the same price as one without.

That said, it’s not the best choice for low-light, sports, action, or wildlife photography. A f1.8 lens will be better for low-light, and a telephoto kit zoom will cover the rest.

Best Value Telephoto - Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6

• EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM (2013)
• EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II (2011)
• EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (2007)

On the sidelines or a field or capturing birds, this lens is the gateway. All the version have IS, so you can’t go wrong.

It was the second kit lens option for most of the EF-S cameras. That means it’s affordable and easy to find.

It’s small and light, making it a great choice to take on walks or hikes. Hand holding it is not going to be a problem. You don’t need a monopod or tripod.

It’s a major step up from a phone or 18-55mm. You’ll be able to figure out if you like doing sports, action, or wildlife photography.

New photographers are always looking for this lens. It’s easy to resell if you decide to upgrade.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS

This offers a step up in terms of reach. Great price to performance.

It’s also a EF lens, which means it can be used on a full frame camera. This is one that makes sense to

For instance, a used Canon 5D mark II is around $250.

DON’T BUY THE Canon EF 75-300MM f4-5.6 III

This is widely considered the worst lens Canon has ever made.

It is an EF lens, that was made for 35mm film cameras. Canon included it as the second kit lens with early DSLRs.

It isn’t sharp. It’s extremely overpriced for what it is.

Standard Zooms

These are upgrades compared to the 18-55mm kit zoom.

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD

Sigma made this lens with multiple mounts. Don’t buy a Nikon F-mount version by accident.

These should be less than half the price of the Canon 17-55mm. There isn’t a huge drop off in image quality.

The build quality isn’t the best on these lenses. Avoid beat up lenses with noticeable cosmetic wear.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

It’s the equivalent of a full frame 24-70mm f2.8L, but for APS-C. Great price to performance used…

But, it’s expensive compared to the T3i. I would likely look to upgrade the camera before purchasing this lens.

The versatility and constant aperture make it a great single lens to use. I would expect it to cover the use cases for 90% of people.

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

This is a great affordable travel lens. It’a an attractive option if you only want to take one lens.

Extra telephoto range is always helpful, your feet might only be able to take you so far.

It should have better image quality and will be smaller than a super zoom.

I honestly think most people would be happier with the 18-55mm and 55-250mm kit combo. The camera is going to handle better and be more enjoyable to shoot.

Wide Zooms

There are only two options from Canon.

If you want to go wider, you’ll need to upgrade to a full frame camera. The 1.6X APS-C crop factor is just too big of a disadvantage.

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

Better image quality, lighter, and faster focusing than the 10-22mm.

The aperture is slower and the build quality isn’t as good.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

I would suggest trying to get this one as it is slightly faster, with a larger zoom range, and similar price.

The downside is that it is larger, heavier, and older. (2004)

Prime Lenses

There are only 3 EF-S prime lenses. Two are macros.

Canon did this on purpose. Entry level APS-C Rebel cameras were meant to drive people to upgrade to more expensive full frame bodies and lenses.

The 1.6X crop factor can be an advantage if you need more reach for wildlife or sports.

If you’re into landscapes or architecture, look into upgrading to a full frame camera. You’ll get a better lens selection.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

Canon’s fun pancake lens. It’s ideal for travel and street photography.

It will be a much different experience than using a 18-55mm kit lens. The smaller size of the 24mm is noticeable.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

My favorite Canon EF lens. Specifically, the second version, with the metal mount.

The first version of the lens is all black, because it’s all plastic. One bad bump, and that lens could be toast.

There also isn’t much of a price difference between them.

It’ll likely be too much of a telephoto on the Rebel T3i to walk around with. It would be good for portraits.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

A lens designed specifically for portraiture.

I’m shocked at how cheap they’ve gotten, though it’s still probably too much lens for the camera.

Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM

You’re going to be standing far away from your subject with this lens.

It’s a great price for what you get.

I think it would be better with a full frame camera. Keep it in mind as a future upgrade option.

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM

It has the equivalent full frame field of view of 32mm. That’s not wide enough.

I feel like that’s the biggest downside of the Canon EF-S system.

Sorry it’s basically here to tell you to upgrade or use a zoom.

Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC

Watch out, this was sold in multiple lens mounts.

It’s also manual focus. That shouldn’t be a big issue, as the depth of field is going to be large, even at f2.8.

The bulbous front lens element means you won’t be able to use lens filters.

Super Zooms (Aren’t very good)

Convenience comes at a cost or size, weight, and image quality.

All of these super zooms have mediocre image quality. The worst is going to be at both ends of the focal range.

That’s a problem because the ends of the focal range are the most used focal lengths.

I wouldn’t recommend buying any of them. I think 99% of people would be happier off with a 2 lens kit.

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS

It’s more expensive than an 18-55mm, 70-300mm, and 24mm f2.8.

It weighs 585 grams.

I’d rather save money and occasionally switch lenses.

Watch out because there are Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Sigma SA-mount versions of the lens.

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

It’s not very expensive and the zoom range is usable.

It can make sense for sports where the action can quickly move from near to far.

People also like taking it on vacation. Not needing to switch the lens means no chances for dust to get into the camera and onto the sensor.

More Sports, Action, and Wildlife Lenses

These are the next step up from a 70-300mm.

They are expensive enough that I would want to upgrade to a camera with at least 45 autofocusing points. Cameras like the Canon 7D mark II, 90D, 80D, 77D, or the Rebel T8i.

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Look for the G2 version. It’s a big improvement over the first version.

There’s been awesome deals on these because people are switching to the RF mount.

The downside is going to be the size and weight. A monopod would be a good idea.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM

There is a Sport version that is more expensive, but have a more robust build quality.

The Contemporary should be similarly priced to the Tamron.

If you are going to be transporting the lens often, look for a Sport version.

Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM

The Canon has the best image quality, and highest price.

It’s lighter and white, but the focal length is shorter.

Macro Lenses

A DSLR would never be my first choice for macro. The focusing aids in live view aren’t good enough.

Mirrorless cameras have better manual focusing aids and faster workflows.

Micro Four Thirds cameras have a larger lens selection and lenses are easily adapted.

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

It can do 1:1 magnification, but I think it’s better for close up photography.

It’s going to be good for things on a table top, within arms reach. You won’t need to walk a few steps away in order to frame a shot.

At 1x magnification, the lens might get in the way of lighting.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

It’s expensive because of the image stabilization, internal focusing, and weather sealed.

If any of those features are important, it’s the lens to get. It can also be used as a portrait lens.

Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro

The image quality on this and later versions is very good.

Prices are lower because it doesn’t have internal focusing, image stabilization, and isn’t weather sealed. The front of the lens extends when focusing.

I am a big fan of the focus clutch. It makes it to easily manually focus or set a specific magnification. Then the camera can be moved to focus.