topic Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm in Gear Guide

Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

Julianna — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:50:46 GMT

Hi everyone! I'm trying to find a telephoto lens so I can take pictures of the moon, animals, etc. I have some experience in photography (I'm self taught), and would love to expand my knowledge and diversity of photos so any advice is much appreciated! I have a Canon EF-S 18-55mm and have been looking into different lenses, but I would much rather go off of someone with experience rather than just what AI tells me. So if anyone has any advice, resources, etc, please don't hesitate.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

rs-eos — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:04:07 GMT

Take a look at the EF-S 55-250mm. That should allow for decently sized closeups of the moon.

I've never used that particular lens, so others can weigh in if there would be better options.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

shadowsports — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:57:12 GMT

Greetings,

In addition, it might be helpful for us to know the model of your camera, and the budget you have for this lens.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

Waddizzle — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:29:31 GMT

It seems like you’re asking for recommendations for a telephoto lens accessory that would mount to the front of the lens. These accessories are not worth it.

One, the image quality tends to be poor. Two, the additional weight is likely to strain the focusing motors in your current lens.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

Julianna — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:14:39 GMT

I forgot to include that I have an EOS 4000D

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

Julianna — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:23:16 GMT

Sorry, I have an EOS 4000D. And as far as budget goes, I don't have to have the lens right now, so if it's on the more expensive side I can definitely save up. I just want a good lens that's going to last.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

stevet1 — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:38:40 GMT

Julianna,

Your camera has an EF mount, so any EF or EF-S lens will work.

Ricky's suggestion of a 55-250mm lens is a pretty good one, I think.

Canon has the IS STM version for sale right now for $300. IS means that it has Image Stabilization and STM means that it has a Stepping Motor, which means that it is smooth and quiet.

I have one myself, and for years, it was the only lens I had.

Other, more far reaching lenses, are going to cost hundreds of dollars more.

Steve Thomas

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

kvbarkley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 02:43:59 GMT

Correction: You have an EF-S mount, but it does take EF and EF-S lenses.

I don't think the 55-250 is long enough for you.

The usual recommendation is for a Tamron or Sigma 150 - 600.

You can get a shot of the moon like this:

Which will be about twice the size you can get with the 55-250.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

normadel — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 02:59:51 GMT

If there is some AI that recommended a telephoto adapter lens to fit ON your 18-55, run as fast as you can. That's Artificial Stupidity. There are such things, but they are junk optically and can damage your lens.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

ebiggs1 — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:02:07 GMT

"Take a look at the EF-S 55-250mm. That should allow for decently sized closeups of the moon."

"I don't think the 55-250 is long enough for you."

And I don't either. 250mm isn't long enough for really any real telephoto work. Let alone something as far away as the Moon. 300mm is where a telephoto really starts to look like a telephoto. And if birds or other small creatures are in mind 400mm is the bottom, IMHO, as always.

Unfortunately telephoto lenses are big and heavy that's just the way it is. So if you are not good with that a real telephoto will bring you no joy. The best one for your camera is one of the so-called super zooms form Sigma or Tamron in the 150-600mm class FL.

A tripod or even a monopod can help a bit but a tripod for shooting the Moon is mandatory.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

Tintype_18 — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:22:45 GMT

I have a T7, EOS 1500 if I recall and have a Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens. I have taken a few photos of clouds, moon, etc. but too few to really claim any expertise there. I mainly take photos of wildlife. It is heavy and requires a monopod or tripod.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

kvbarkley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:26:21 GMT

"Let alone something as far away as the Moon."

Why do I care how far away it is? Put Jupiter where the moon is and 250mm would be plenty. 8^)

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

ebiggs1 — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:43:01 GMT

"Put Jupiter where the moon is and 250mm would be plenty."

But it isn't! If you think 250mm is good enough for shooting the Moon have at it. You have my permeiision.

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

zakslm — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:57:56 GMT

Juliana,

I echo the recommendations and advice that others have offered. But most stridently, I echo the advice given by Wadizzle regarding screw on telephoto lens accessories. As stated,. those types of accessories are not worth it.

I use crop sensor EOS bodies (90D and Rebel T7) and I bought a used 55-250 IS II (non-STM version) and I use it a lot. I've rented one of the 100-400L versions and used it for a weekend and enjoyed the extra reach and image quality improvement improvements of that lens. If I were more serious about wildlife/bird photography, I would consider purchasing the 100-400L (version II) or similar lens, but for the time being, the 55-250 is one of my most used lenses and I have a lot of fun using it.

With regard to taking pictures of the moon, I've done so with both lenses (55-250 & 100-400) and both are capable of taking some pretty nice shots but require a lot of cropping to get a nice "moon shot" but it is possible.

Whatever lens you consider, I would suggest you look into shopping for a used lens from a reputable source such as KEH, MPB, B&H, Used Photo Pro or other source that will offer a warranty period and has an exchange policy. There are a lot of fine used EF and EF-S out there that will work well on your camera.

Good luck!

Re: Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

kvbarkley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:09:24 GMT

Whoosh! My point was that it is the size of the moon that matters (in degrees), not how far away it is.