Canon EF-S Lenses for Photo and Video

Canon made 24 EF-S lenses that can be used on 35 cameras. Third party lenses that are good deals have been included.

The first was the Digital Rebel (300D) in 2003, and the last was the Rebel T8i (850D) in 2020.

EF lenses, which were designed for full frame cameras can be used. The downside is that they are larger and more expensive.

I’m going to cover all 24 lenses, starting with the smallest, lightest, and least expensive lenses. They’re the most fun and perfect for enjoying your camera.

Cameras with EF-S Mounts

If you don’t know if your camera has an EF-S lens mount, here’s the complete list.

Lens Acronyms

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

The Canon EF 70-300mm is an affordable full frame lens with more reach.

It’s great if you plan to upgrade to a full frame body. For example a Canon 5D mark II can be found for less than $250.

While not a small lens, hand holding it is still easy. The image stabilization will help you get razor sharp images.

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

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

It was designed for 35mm film SLRs. Canon included it as the second kit lens with early DSLRs.

It’s infamously not sharp. No pixel peeping is needed to see the difference.

Standard Zooms

If you aren’t happy with the performance of the 18-55mm lens, these are the upgrades to look at.

They have faster apertures or larger zoom ranges.

Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD

The Sigma 17-50mm is a great value. The OS stands for optical stabilization, which is an advantage over the Canon 17-55mm

Image quality is good. The fast f2.8 constant aperture is good for focusing in low light.

Don’t buy a beat up copy. The build quality is not as good as Sigma’s newer Art series of lenses.

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

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 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.

Wide lenses are expensive to make. That’s why the EF lenses have more options.

If you’re into astrophotography, landscapes, or architecture, it can make sense to upgrade to a full frame camera. The 1.6X APS-C crop factor is just too big of a disadvantage when using an EF lens. They aren’t going to be wide enough.

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)

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

A newer design from 2014.

Primes

There are 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…

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. Just because a lens is big and heavy, doesn’t mean it’s good.

All of these have mediocre image quality, with the worst of it being on the ends of the focal range.

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

Has Sigma gone too far?

There’s also a Nikon F-mount version.

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

It’s a lens that exists.

You now know it exists.

Expensive Sports, Action, and Wildlife Lenses

These are the next step up from the 70-300mm mentioned above. You will want to upgrade before purchasing one of these lenses.

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

The G2 is a big improvement over the first version of the lens.

Most likely the best price to performance. Everyone is switching to the RF mount, causing prices to plummet.

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

There is also a sport option that has an improved build quality.

This should be in the same price range as the Tamron.

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

This one is going to be more expensive.

Image quality will be a bit better and it is lighter.

Macro Lenses

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

A true macro lens, that can reach 1:1 magnification, and the first to be specifically designed for the EF-S mount. The front element does not turn during focusing, as it was created with an internal focusing system. You’re going to like the razor sharp shots taken by this lens. It is a great pick to use on the EOS Rebel T3i because of the compact size and reasonable price being hard to outdo.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

With image stabilization and internal focusing, it’s obvious why this is a top of the line pro L-series lens. It is weather sealed, and that means it is a great option to have out into the field in difficult conditions. Purchase this lens and you’ll not need to go searching for another solution.

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

With a recessed front element and an excellent working distance, you’ll probably never need to attach the hood. However, it doesn’t have an internal focusing system, therefore the lens will extend when focusing on close subjects.

One other potential drawback if you want to use it as a portrait lens is that it does not have integrated image stabilization. Working with flash will stop that from being a major problem.