Fast Lens for Canon Rebel T3 EOS 1100D

by Subi
(Murrieta, CA, USA)

"I am beginner photographer used 1100D for some years. Visiting Washing DC and gearing up for taking many photographs, especially at dusk.
Looking for an affordable lens that will capture photos at night/moonlight (low light) with minimum zoom at DC. Will use the 1100D for daytime.
Please recommend lens(es) that will enable me to take photos of monuments at night (compatible with EOS 1100D).
Thank you!"

Hi Subi.

Thanks for asking about a fast lens for your Rebel t3 (1100D). The t3 is an oldie but goodie and Canon sold a bazillion of the t3 and t3i cameras back in the day. The t3 has an APS-C sized "crop sensor" and so any of the Canon EF-S or EF lenses will work on your t3. Here's more on Ef versus EF-S Lenses.

If you are looking for a lens that will perform well at dusk (or other low light situations) you want a "fast" lens. A fast lens is given that name because it has a larger maximum aperture, giving it the ability to allow more light into the camera and enabling you to use faster shutter speeds that you would be able to with a "slower" lens.

Fast Canon Lense

I wrote a complete article on this topic and here's my complete guide to Fast Canon Lenses

Here's a table of fast Canon lenses.

You can see that the list of fast lenses only has one Canon EF-S lens. The big factors for you in choosing the best fast Canon lens will be what focal lengths will you want and how much you're willing to spend.

1. FAST LENS PRICE: Fast lenses are more expensive because they require much larger lens elements. Also, generally speaking, fast lenses are designed for more serious photographers who put a higher demand for image quality on their photography. Faster lenses tend to be made of higher quality optics.

2. FOCAL LENGTH:You'll probably want to be able to shoot wide angle photos if you're visiting Washington DC and its monuments. There are some really affordable Nifty Fifty (50mm) prime lenses, but on your t3 these lenses will give you the equivalent angle of view as a short 80mm telephoto lens because of the 1.6x Crop Factor.

Here is a link to the only smaller EF-S fast lens that Canon makes on Amazon.

I hope this answer, and the articles I linked to, help you find what you're looking for. Please get back to me with any other questions or what you eventually choose. Have a blast in DC! Shoot a Canon.

Bruce
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