Here are the best lenses for the Canon EOS Rebel XS, also known as the EOS 1000D in Europe and Kiss F in Asia. A wide selection of focal lengths for several types of photography are covered. In addition to the recommended lenses, each section will have additional alternatives for lower or higher prices.
Every photographer will be able to get something they'd want in their camera bag. Bear in mind that the recommended lenses are also good choices for other Canon EOS Rebel cameras.
Here is the list of the best Canon Rebel XS:
- 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
Table of Contents
Best All-Around Zooms
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM: The build quality of this lens is what you would expect from Canon's full-frame L-series, but it is was designed for Cameras that have APS-C sensors that use the EF-S mount. It is a big improvement from the zoom included with the EOS Rebel XS.
The large maximum aperture is continuous through the zoom range making it possible for a shallow depth of field and beautiful background blur. The built-in image stabilization helps to combat camera shake and improves photo sharpness.
If you needed to narrow down all of the Canon lenses obtainable to only one to use, this would be the best pick.
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD: By having built-in optical image stabilization, sharp images can be captured at up to 4 stops lower than if there was no stabilization. With the large aperture and great zoom range, the lens would work for everything from landscapes to portraits.
Based on glowing customer reviews, people highly recommend this lens. It could end up permanently mounted to your camera.
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: This has an equivalent zoom range in 35mm format of 24-136mm, making it a fantastic pick to leave on your camera for general everyday photography. It is additionally among the best choices for travel.
Best Telephoto Zooms
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS: This is like having a bunch of zoom lenses combined into one. The 16.6x zoom ratio means everything from wide angle to telephoto is covered. Constructed with 17 elements in 13 groups, with four FLD and 1 SLD elements, results in a lens that is able to get high-quality, sharp crisp images, without the need to worry about chromatic aberrations.
The sizeable focal length span does come at the price of it being rather large and heavy. There are many lenses that may be better to spend all day lugging around with the Canon EOS Rebel XS.
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS: This serves as a compact and lightweight lens that still has a usable zoom range. With 4 stops of image stabilization, it is a product that offers excellent performance at an affordable price. This is a great choice to avoid excess weight and size.
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III: Smaller and lighter weight than the lenses previously mentioned, which is an advantage if you don't want to haul around a heavy kit. The focal length is equal to 120-480mm on all EOS Rebel cameras as they use Canon APS-C sensors.
It is also quite affordable because it doesn’t have built-in image stabilization. This is one of the lenses that is best to use outdoors with ample amounts of light.
Best Primes
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This is one of the best lenses made by Canon as it has great image quality, but still comes in a lightweight and compact package. The fast f/1.8 aperture makes this classic focal length a great choice for low light shooting. A must have lens for all photographers that can find a place in every camera kit.
Don't buy the previous version as the focusing motor is slow and loud. If you try to save a small amount of money, you will likely not care for the result. This is especially applicable if you are going to shoot video.
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: The slimmest and most compact lens available for the Canon EF-S mount. This wide angle lens is called a "pancake" because of the small size, making it a great choice for travel photography. It has the ability to take photos as close as 6 inches (16 cm).
Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM: An amazing creation showing what current optical engineering is capable of. Shot wide open, images are tack sharp, from corner to corner. The HSM (hyper-sonic motor) delivers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus.
Best Video & Vlogging Lenses
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 shooting video. Having the ultra-wide-angle zoom range is great for vlogging and creating videos. The stepping motor (STM) provides smooth accurate autofocus that does not make any sound which can ruin audio. It is also small and light enough to not feel out of place when on the Canon EOS Rebel XS.
Consider that you can get the Canon portrait and travel kit that also has the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM. The kit is a very good choice if you want to end up with two of the best lenses for Canon, while at the same time saving a bit of money.
Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX-II 11-16mm f/2.8: It is convenient to quickly switch from manual focus to auto focus without taking your hand off of the focus ring due to the one-touch focus clutch mechanism. With a fast constant f/2.8 aperture this lens is also a great way to try astrophotography.
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD: Here's another wide-angle zoom that is full of optical tech. An internal focusing system allows the use of a petal-type hood which does a better job of blocking light than a standard hood. A hyper sonic motor (HSM) provides silent operation.
Best Lenses for Portrait Photography
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: Quite possibly the most commonly used lens for portrait photography made by Canon. The wide f/1.8 aperture is a good choice for low light shooting and can be used to create a shallow depth of field, with beautiful bokeh, to separate the subject. For wedding photographers, this is an important lens.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM: A true professional level lens that is well suited for portrait photography as well as street, landscape, and studio work. There is minimal distortion or vignetting and it is amazingly sharp from corner to corner, even wide open.
Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM: Close to the Canon 85mm f/1.8, but offers a marginally longer focal length. Just like the other two lenses, it is great for low-light photography in a compact body that is easy to handle.
This lens is not currently being produced, so finding a new one could be tough. You can still find plenty of used copies available. Check a few sites to obtain the best price.
Best Lenses for Sports & Wildlife
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2: This 2nd gen lens is a great improvement by Tamron. Image quality has gotten much better throughout the entire zoom range and at the same time still offering an excellent build quality. An ultrasonic silent drive motor drives the autofocus which is extremely accurate and fast. With this on your camera, you will have no difficulties getting excellent wildlife or action shots.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM: The Sigma features a compact and lightweight construction for a hyper-telephoto lens. On top of the optical stabilizer and hyper sonic motor, there's a built-in accelerometer that helps improve images when panning. As an added benefit, there is usually a promotional deal that includes additional products as well as free shipping with the lens when you purchase one. That's great since free camera gear is difficult to refuse.
Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM: Without a doubt, this lens has superior image performance than the other 2. Unfortunately, that quality comes with a substantial price tag that is much larger than that of the camera. One of the many great features this lens has is a rotation-type zoom ring which includes configurable torque settings making it possible to customize the lens to your personal liking.
Best Lenses for Landscape Photography
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM: Weighing only 405g (14.3 oz), this is a wide focal length lens that is still compact and light. Even When Set To Af There Is A Full-time Manual Focus Override, which makes it less difficult to nail focus. If you plan on taking your Rebel XS with you on hikes, this lens is a great choice as it will fit in practically any camera bag.
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC: Having a built-in petal-type hood, this ultra-wide-angle lens is a less expensive offering. An excellent choice for not just solely landscapes but also for real estate and astrophotography. The closest focusing distance is 10.8 inches (14 cm), but that will result in exaggerated distortion effects.
Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: With a professional build quality, the 20mm is the widest lens in the Sigma Art series. Featuring 15 elements in 11 groups with a 5 Special Low Dispersion and a Low Dispersion glass element, axial chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and field curvature are basically gone.
It is a noticeably large and heavy piece of glass. Don't expect it to be nicely balanced mounted on the camera.
Best Canon Macro Lenses
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM: The first to be specifically designed for the EF-S mount, it is a true macro lens, able to achieve 1:1 magnification. It was designed with internal focusing, which means the front element does not move when focusing. You're going to like the sharp images made by this lens. It is a great choice to use with the EOS Rebel XS on account of the reasonable price and compact size being hard to beat.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: With image stabilization and internal focusing, it is clear why this is a top of the line professional L-series lens. It is weather-sealed, which means it is an outstanding choice to take out into the field in ough conditions. Purchase this lens and you will never need to go looking for another.
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP A/M 1:1 Macro: With a very good working distance and recessed front element, you will likely never need to attach the hood. However, it doesn't have an internal focusing system, therefore the lens will extend when focusing.
A further possible drawback if you would like to use it as a portrait lens is that does not have integrated image stabilization. However, if you use a flash that will not be a problem.
Related Posts
Here is a list of posts related to the Canon Rebel XS (Canon 1000D) camera:
