Choosing The First Lens For Rebel T8i

by Natasha
(New York)

My husband recent surprised me with Cannon Rebel T8i. I am overwhelmed by lenses. We have 3 small children and I want a lens that can capture them together around the Christmas tree and when we go on nature hikes in our local state parks I’d like to be able to get long shots of the beach or of wildlife. Can you recommend an affordable lens that can do all three of these things for a starter lens?

Thank you,
Natasha

Hi Natasha,

Thanks for your question to Canon Geek about a good starter lens for your Rebel t8i camera. Two lenses come to mind immediately based on your description of the photography you'll be doing with your new t8i. You are right. It can be challenging to pick the right t8i lens because there are so many.

First of all, Congrats on the new camera. The Rebel t8i is a fine camera and will perform very well , has lots of technology, and is capable of excellent image quality. The challenge is to pick just one lens, out of the dozens of EF and EF-S lenses that will attach to your Canon Rebel.

Canon T8i Starter Lenses

I recommend that you go with an EF-S lens, rather than one of the bulkier EF lenses which will also fit on your APS-C sensor t8i. EF-S lenses are smaller, lighter, and subsequently more affordable than the EF lenses.

Watch my YouTube video on EF versus EF-S Lenses Here, or read the post comparing EF and EF-S lenses Here.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm

This is my favorite lens that I keep on my Canon 90D, which has the same sized sensor as your t8i. It's relatively compact, light, and I think you'd be very happy with the zoom range of 18-135mm. That's the equivalent angle of view you'd get as a 29-216mm on a full frame camera. My review of the: Canon EF-S 18-135mm

Canon EF-S 18-200mm

This lens is a little bit bigger, heavier by about 5 ounces, and a little pricier, but has a longer range on the telephoto end of the zoom.

If you're going to photograph your kids playing sports or you might venture into photographing wildlife or birds, the extra reach of the 18-200mm lens might be what you'd be better of with. The 18-200mm ranges gives you an equivalent view of 29-320mm.

The 18-135 might have the slight edge in image quality, but both lenses are wide enough for shooting indoor photos of your kids, as well as scenic wide angle shots when you go hiking. The 18-200mm lens is better for long distance photos.

I hope that Natasha,
Good Luck,
Bruce

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