The Best Canon Rebel T3 Lenses

Here is a list of the best lenses for the Canon EOS Rebel T3. A wide variety of focal lengths for several types of photography are mentioned. In addition to the recommended lenses, each choice will have other options for lower or higher prices.

There are enough options available that virtually every photographer will be able to discover 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 T3 DSLR
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 USM

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 built for APS-C sensor cameras that have the EF-S mount. It is a significant step up from the zoom bundled with with the EOS Rebel T3.

The large maximum aperture is constant through the full zoom range allowing for a shallow depth of field and beautiful background blur. Built-in image stabilization helps to combat camera shake and contributes to photo sharpness.

If you were required to reduce all of the Canon lenses obtainable to only one to use on your camera, this is going to be the best choice.

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Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD: Thanks to optical image stabilization, tack sharp pictures can be captured at shutter speeds up to 4 stops lower than without using stabilization. With the fast aperture and great zoom range, the lens is appropriate for all types of photography from portraits to landscapes.

Based on glowing reviews, owners highly recommend this lens. It could be your go to pick.

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Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: This lens has a comparable zoom of 24-136mm in 35mm format, making it a terrific choice to leave on the camera for day to day photography. It is additionally cited as one of the most desirable options to bring with you when traveling.

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Best Telephoto Zoom Lens Rebel T3
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS

Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS: This is just like having many zooms packaged together. Having a 16.6x zoom ratio means everything from telephoto to wide angle are covered. Constructed with 17 elements in 13 groups, with four FLD and 1 SLD element, makes it possible to capture high-quality, sharp crisp photos, without having to be concerned with aberrations.

The large focal length span does come at the expense of it being large and heavy. Other options that can be a better option to spend all day carrying around with the Canon EOS Rebel T3.

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Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS: Here’s a lightweight and small lens that still contains a large zoom range. With Four stops of stabilization it truly is a solution that offers impressive overall performance at an economical price. This is a good choice to avoid exorbitant weight and size.

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Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III: More compact and lighter weight than the lenses previously mentioned, which is an advantage if you do not want to carry around a bulky kit. The focal length is equal to 120-to-480mm on all EOS Rebel cameras as they contain Canon APS-C sized sensors.

Also, it is more inexpensive, on account of the lack of image stabilization. This lens works best outside with plenty of sunlight.

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Best prime lens for canon eos rebel T3
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This is one of the top lenses manufactured by Canon as it has outstanding picture quality, but still comes in a compact and lightweight package. The large f/1.8 aperture makes this classic focal length the perfect choice for shooting in low light. An invaluable lens for all photographers that can find a use in any kit.

Steer clear of the old version as the motor that controls the focusing system is loud and slow. By attempting to save a bit of cash, you will possibly not care for the result. This is especially applicable if you intend to be able to capture video.

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Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: The slimmest and smallest lens engineered for the EF-S mount. This wide angle is known as a “pancake” as a result of the petite size, making it an excellent pick 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: A terrific example of what the latest optical engineering is able to produce. It takes sharp pictures from corner to corner, even when shot wide open. The Hyper-Sonic Motor delivers accurate, quite, and fast 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 most appropriate choice for capturing video. The ultra-wide-angle zoom range is perfect for vlogging and creating videos. The stepping motor (STM) provides you with smooth precise autofocus that doesn’t create any sounds which can negatively impact audio recording. It’s also light and small enough to not feel heavy when combined with the Canon EOS Rebel T3.

You be able to buy it bundled with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM in the Canon portrait and travel two-lens kit. The bundle is a very good solution if you would like to purchase two of the best lenses for Canon, while saving some money.

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Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8: It is very convenient to switch from auto focus to manual focus without taking your hand off the focus ring on account of the one-touch focus clutch. The lens is also an outstanding pick to try astrophotography because of the constant f/2.8 aperture.

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Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD: This is another wide-angle zoom that is packed with optical engineering. An internal focusing system makes it possible to use a petal-type lens hood which will do a superior job of preventing flare than a round hood. A hyper sonic motor ensures noiseless functionality.

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

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: Many people would consider this lens the most favored lens for portraits made by Canon. The fast f/1.8 aperture is well suited for working in low light and is able to create a shallow depth of field, with appealing bokeh, to draw attention to the subject. This is an important lens for wedding photographers.

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Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM: A true pro tier lens that definitely is a great pick for portraits as well as street, landscape, and studio work. There’s almost no distortion or vignetting and it is especially sharp from corner to corner, even shot wide open.

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Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM: Similar to the Canon 85mm f/1.8, but provides a "" narrower field of view. Compared to the other two lenses, it is very good for low-light shooting in a compact package that is easy to handle.

This is a discontinued lens, so obtaining a copy might be difficult. You can still find plenty of used copies available. Make sure to check a few sites to obtain 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 is a great improvement by Tamron. Photo quality has improved through the complete zoom range and having a superior build quality. The autofocus uses an ultrasonic silent drive motor which is amazingly accurate and fast. With this mounted on your camera, you will experience no issues taking amazing action or wildlife shots.

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Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM: The Sigma offers a portable and lightweight construction considering it is a telephoto zoom lens. Furthermore the hyper sonic motor and optical stabilization, there is a built-in accelerometer to improve shots when panning. As an additional bonus, there is often a promotional offer that is comprised of additional products and free shipping when you purchase the lens. That’s nice as free camera gear is very hard to turn down.

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Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM: Without a doubt, this lens has better image performance than the others. However, that top quality performance is attached to a hefty cost that dwarfs that of the camera. One of the many great features of this lens is a rotation-type zoom ring with configurable torque settings making it possible to customize the lens to your personal liking.

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

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM: This is a wide focal length lens that is surprisingly still light and compact, weighing only 405g (14.3 oz). Even when set to AF there’s a manual focus override, that makes it much easier to achieve critical focus. If you are thinking about taking your Rebel T3 on hikes, this lens is a very good solution as it is going to fit in just about every camera bag.

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Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC: Boasting a built-in petal-type lens hood, this ultra-wide lens is a cost effective choice. A very good solution for not just solely landscape photography but as well as for astrophotography and real estate. The closest focusing distance is 14 cm (10.8 inches), but that will produce exaggerated distortion.

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Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: The widest lens in the Sigma Art series, the 20mm f/1.4 has a truly professional construction quality. Designed with 11 groups having 15 elements with a Low Dispersion and 5 Special Low Dispersion glass elements, axial chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and field curvature are effectively gone.

It is a noticeably heavy and large hunk of glass. Do not expect it being nicely balanced when on the camera.

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best canon rebel T3 macro lens
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM: The first to be manufactured by Canon for the EF-S mount, it is a actual macro lens, capable of obtaining 1:1 magnification. The front element does not turn when focusing, as the lens features an internal focusing. You are going to love the sharp images produced by this lens. It’s an outstanding choice to use with the EOS Rebel T3 on account of the compact size and reasonable price being tough to beat.

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Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: A pro L-series lens featuring image stabilization and an internal focusing system. It is weather sealed, which makes it a very good pick to bring out into the field in difficult conditions. Buy this lens and you will never 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 a great working distance, you will likely never be required to attach the hood. However, it doesn’t have an internal focusing system, therefore the lens will extend when focusing.

Another potential drawback if you would like to use it as a portrait lens is that it does not have integrated image stabilization. Using a flash will prevent that from being a major problem.

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