topic Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

showme — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 13:25:52 GMT

My teen granddaughter recently got a Canon EOS T7 Rebel with an EF518 55mm. She's volunteered to be a photographer for the school newspaper, so my wife and I wanted to get her some lens equipment for Christmas. My wife handled the search and purchase of a lens set that she found on amazon that stated they fit the T7, along with a list of others.

It seems that my granddaughter's camera's lens base is smaller than the one's we ordered. They are 58mm, and as far as I can see, when I measured her camera (she didn't have the manual with her, and wasn't sure where to find the base measurement on her camera), I found it is 50-51mm in diameter, depending if I used the inside diameter (50mm) or estimated the thread depth diameter (51-?). So, after doing a little research, I see there are 50mm lenses, but I'm a little mixed up here, since the box that her camera came in states the zoom lens is 55mm(??).

What does this 55mm dimension indicate, the lens diameter or the base diameter? And, would her camera's lens base be considered 50mm or 55mm? I really can't see another 5mm of thread depth on top of the 50mm inside diameter of the camera's female lens base receptacle. So, as a no-nothing grandfather of a future photography nut, I'm asking all the experts here (i.e., anyone who knows more than me about these things) for help to figure out exactly what we need to get her. Btw, I realize we could wait until Christmas break is over and have her ask her instructor about it, but she was so disappointed when she found out she wouldn't be able to use it this week, I wanted to find one that fits her camera asap. This is what my wife ordered, and is now being returned. Their bases were too big to screw into the camera.

Thanks for any and all comments and suggestions on this. I appreciate it. Lee

[Commercial link removed per community guidelines and replaced with screenshot to serve as a visual aid.]

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS T7 lens dimensions

rs-eos — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 18:21:49 GMT

Any EF mount or EF-S mount can be used with her camera.

Do avoid Amazon though as their are numerous counterfeit, gray market, or just poor quality equipment.

Check to see what lenses are available at Canon’s own online store. There are also refurbished items if reducing cost is needed.

Or, purchase from any of Canon’s authorized resellers. Personally, I rely on B&H Photo.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS T7 lens dimensions

rs-eos — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 18:24:28 GMT

Additionally, it’s only important to understand a few things about lenses. As stated earlier, you’ll need either EF or EF-S mount lenses.

Then, two most important numbers will be the focal length and aperture range. The focal length can also be a range of values.

The other number I think you are seeing is typically on the front of the lens for use with screw-on filters.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS T7 lens dimensions

Waddizzle — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 19:18:31 GMT

The default lens filter thread sizes on the kit lenses in a T7 camera kit is 58mm. I strongly advise against purchasing the “lens kit” that I see above. There is no substitute for an actual macro lens or telephoto lens.

Lens filters are not as useful as they once were when all cameras used film. Digital cameras and digital image processing almost make physical filters obsolete. I would hold on off on buying accessories that she may not need or even use.

If this is her first camera, then I would advise giving her some time to learn about the basics of photography and the basics of using a DSLR. Yes, that means there are two learning curves that need to be climbed.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS T7 lens dimensions

stevet1 — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 20:03:52 GMT

Lee,

I am a novice myself, so I have to admit I'm a little confused.

I have an 18-55mm lens myself, and I can tell you that it takes a 58mm filter.

The lens mount itself means that you can use any EF or EF-S lens.

I know you meant well, but if I were you, if you can't return the accessories you bought, I'd see if I could trade them in at a site like KEH or MPB and get your granddaughter something like a 50mm prime lens, (worth about $150) and a good sturdy tripod (worth about $125).

If she would like more reach, a 55-250mm IS STM lens runs about $250 and is a good starter telephoto lens. (It also takes a 58mm filter, if she wants things like a color polarizer or neutral density filter.

This will give her time to grow and learn the art.

Steve Thomas

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS T7 lens dimensions

shadowsports — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 01:46:22 GMT

Steve's recommendation of an EF-S 55-250mm lens would be an excellent gift. Her existing 18-55 together with a 55-250 will be a great start for her. New and refurbished are both out of stock at the Canon store right now. However, B&H Photo has the 55-250 in stock. They are an authorized Canon dealer.

If you have purchased any lens adapters, magnifiers, filters, etc from Amazon, I suggest you pack them up and return them. They will be low quality junk products (that promise the world) and will actually degrade the quality of her lenses.

If a second lens is out of reach, making a contribution towards a future purchase is always a thoughtful gift.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

AtticusLake — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:17:14 GMT

Lee: lens mounts, as in how the lens physically attaches to the camera, are not measured in millimetres in today's world. Instead, they have names, and it's important to match the names. There's no point in putting a ruler on anything. Even if some physical dimension did happen to match, there's no guarantee that the data protocol the camera uses to talk to the lens would be compatible.

As others have pointed out, your camera takes EF and EF-S lenses. That's it.

When you see a lens being advertised as 50mm, or 58mm, or 300mm, or whatever, they're talking about the focal length of the lens. This has nothing to do with any physical dimension of the lens. (OK, longer focal length lenses generally are longer.) You can think of this a bit like magnification -- on the Rebel, a 35mm lens would give you a "standard" field of view; a 70mm would magnify twice as much; etc. A 58mm is a little telephoto.

Another number you will see quoted -- confusingly, also in mm -- is the filter thread diameter. This is the diameter of the threaded mount on the FRONT of the lens, which is for attaching filters. That's important, but it has nothing to do with how your lens attaches to the camera.

If you want a horrendous amunt of information about lens mounts, I wrote an article: https://moonblink.info/MudLake/gear/lenses

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS T7 lens dimensions

Tintype_18 — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 13:25:18 GMT

I made the mistake of ordering a complete kit online. If I had only known about the Community. I highly suggest that you download the manual, have the camera in hand and start with some of the basics. The manual is over 300 pages so there is a lot of information that would be hard to digest in a few sittings. I also like the idea of a DSLR as you can experiment and not waste film as in the olden days. Above all, heed the advice of the community members. The community has a trainload of information, expertise, experience and a genuine desire to help newbies. Oh yes, make sure you always have an extra charged battery; Murphy's Law- Your battery will fizzle in the middle of a shoot.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

showme — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:07:55 GMT

Well, thank you very much, everyone! This is, obviously, my first post on here and I was pleasantly surprised to find all these replies this morning. The answers that you all provided were just what I was looking for. I was really confused about the numbers I was seeing. (I was pretty proud of myself for having an old metric tape measure from a job building a federal court house in St. Louis [retired Ironworker], although I didn't know exactly what I was doing with the numbers after that. I had to laugh at myself after reading your replies. I'm reminded of an old movie with Nick Nolte and Debra Winger titled "Cannery Row". In one scene of that movie, a group of local homeless men that have befriended Nolte's character, who is a marine biologist, have chipped in to buy him what they believe is an excellent gift to help his studies of octopi (octopus-es)- a microscope. They are all overjoyed about their find, and E. Emmet Walsh, the groups leader, excitedly unveils the gift and exclaims "A new...Microscope!", which turns out to be a telescope on a tripod, only with the lens facing down with the eyepiece sticking up in the air. He adds, happily sharing that "It was the biggest one in the catalogue!!", not knowing the difference between a microscope and a telescope. This is me with cameras. So, thank you all for clearing me up on what it is I'm looking for.

I love my wife, but sometimes she just doesn't do her research when she looks for gifts, especially for our grandkids. I told her no more aftermarket stuff for Kate's camera (or anyone else's). I've looked at a few Canon lenses, and with the information I've received here, I'm a little more confident about what we need to find. And as a few of you have stated, buying aftermarket equipment is a problem waiting to happen, which could turn into a problem and possibly a public embarrassment to our granddaughter. As a retired Ironworker of 30 years, I found out a long time ago that the tools I used every day could cause an injury or even kill me if they failed me a hundred feet in the air. My purchase of high quality hand tools (Klein, Armstrong, White) irritated her at first, but after she saw me in the air one day standing on a spud wrench stuck in a column's bolt hole, she realized that a failure of a tool could be fatal, she never complained again. Anyway, thank you all for the help, and I will try to remember to report back here when we figure out what we choose for Kate. And don't be surprised if you start seeing a new member on here, after I tell my junior high aged grandaughter about this forum. She'll be happy to find there's a place she can come for help. Thank you all again for educating an old geezer. I'll be passing this along to Kate, and hoping she goes far in her journey into photography. Lee Butcher

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

johnrmoyer — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:20:05 GMT

In addition to the good information others have provided, I hope some of this might be helpful.

You can get the manual for that camera at: https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/eos-rebel-t7 ( 326 page PDF ) Page 278 of the manual lists some of the accessories that will work with the camera.

Lenses (at various cost level) that I enjoyed using with a similar camera include:

EF-S24mm f/2.8 STM for closeups https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/ef-s-24mm-f-2-8-stm

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/ef-s-55-250mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm as others have mentioned.

EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is similar to the 18-55mm, but with better autofocus and a wider range of focal lengths. https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/ef-s-18-135mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-usm .

For more information about focal length and how it is used by photographers: https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm.

https://snapshot.canon-asia.com/article/eng/lens-faq-what-is-focal-length what is focal length

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

showme — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:28:43 GMT

Thank you, John! I'll definitely look these up and share this with Kate. My kids and grandkids have always looked up to me as "the one who can do anything!" (so they think), although they don't realize that to find the things I "know", I spend hours and days researching the things that I don't know, just so I can help with something. Thank you. I'm sending this to Kate, as well. Lee

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

shadowsports — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:52:49 GMT

Lee ,

Happy holidays to you and your family. Lots of friendly, knowledgeable people here and we're happy to answer any questions you or your grandaughter might have.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

showme — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 14:56:22 GMT

Well, after talking to my granddaughter about this, and showing her a few lenses I'd found and asking her what her class instructor uses, we decided to get her this lense- Amazon.com : Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras : Digital Slr Camera Lenses : Electronics.

She confirmed, as I've read, that her camera is a little hard to focus at times, so I'm hoping this will help that, too. As I've said before, I'm pretty ignorant in this field, although Kate's aunt and uncle (my two other kids) have both been into photography since college, her mom, our youngest who is 37, hasn't taken it up. You all have been a big help, and I thank you again. I would appreciate any comments on this lens and why it is or isn't a good pick for Kate. BTW, Happy New Year! Lee

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

shadowsports — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 14:49:28 GMT

Hi Lee,

I really believe she would be better served with the EF-S 55-250. Note that none of us mentioned the EF 75-300 which is a entry level lens and not one of Canon's best endeavors. The 55-250 is about double the cost and for good reason.

Please consider the following:

The 55-250 is an APS-C lens designed for the sensor in her camera. There is nothing wrong with using a lens intended for full frame on a APS-C based camera. {Edited for clarity.]

The 55-250 has image stabilization, the EF 75-300 does not. IS is extremely helpful when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths.

I'm not sure what her instructors' reasons are for recommending this lens. The only thing I can assume is its rock bottom price.

Where to purchase Canon gear. List of Authorized Dealers. If in doubt, you can always check here:

Canon Learning | Authorized Dealers | Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Woodland Hills Camera is an Authorized dealer

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

johnrmoyer — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 16:56:52 GMT

According to that list, Amazon.com is also an authorized dealer. But one must check for "Sold by Amazon" instead of sold by a seller that is not on the list.

I agree that the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is a much better lens. It is sometimes available refurbished at https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-ef-s-55-250mm-f-4-5-6-is-stm

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

Tronhard — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:03:34 GMT

Having read your highlighted response, I thought I would reach out to offer some solutions for learning about cameras and photography - it will help you keep in touch with your granddaughter's progress, and you never know - you might get the bug yourself!
If you go to your local library's on-line catalogue and search for an item called LinkedIn Learning (aka Lynda.com) you will observe it is a electronic resource, or some similar phrase. It is actually a free gateway into a learning site run by Microsoft that covers a vast array of technical disciplines, amongst which is photography. By going through the library (if available) you can use the library ID and PIN to access it for free.
If you do gain access, I suggest searching for Photography Foundations, which starts right at the basics and takes you from there. The video courses are taught by professionals who are also great teachers, and they can be done in sections or repeated at will. The range of courses goes from basics to advanced topics.

Another resource is on You Tube and is a complete free basics course from National Geographic photographer Chris Bray, an Aussie (so, one of my mates across the 'ditch' from NZ) here is the link:
Learn Photography - Simple, Practical - Free Photography Course 1/10 - YouTube

I had to smile at your comments about metric. NZ, moved from Imperial measures to metric in the 1970's, and as an engineer at the time, I was in charge of the transition. Once made, it's much easier to manage measurements with modern calculators and computers than the Imperial system, designed for a non digital-world. I think there are now only three countries in the world that are not metric: USA, Liberia and Myanmar! Yet, the US is secretly metric for most of its industrial design and processes, putting it in that challenging spot of being in transition. I believe that it was proposed some time ago to go metric, but lobbyists in Congress stifled it to avoid costs to business, rather a pity I think.

Now, where I live, there have been generations of people who have known just metric and in a friend's car one of us used the phrase "give them an inch and they'll take a mile". This elicited an inquiry from his kids as to what that meant. It doesn't quite have the same impact to convert that: "give them 25.4mm and they'll take 1.6093km"!

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

showme — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 23:02:13 GMT

Finally got her lens in yesterday and then delivered it to Kate. She immediately got out her camera and put it on. She zoomed in on a portrait at the end of the hallway and was really happy with it, although I could tell it will be a learning experience for her. She "kind of" recognized some of the features, but I'm sure she'll need some help learning about it. First of all, thank you all for directing me to the correct lens and away from a mistake for her. Also, for all the information you've given me on this subject. I'm still digesting some of it.

For Kate's sake, can someone direct me/her to a good learning tutorial or manual that would help a beginner like her. I know she'll get some tips from her instructor, but if she's anything like me, she'll want to research it for herself, also. The lens was brand new in its original packaging, but I guess as is with all professional grade (to me, anyway) equipment, there wasn't any other information in the box. Like a manual for newbies that need some help. Where can she find that information? I'm just starting to look, but I don't want her to be so intimidated that she puts it down and hesitates to use it, so once again, I'm asking all of you. Thanks again for all the help, folks! Lee

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

kvbarkley — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 23:13:25 GMT

"There is nothing wrong with using a lens intended for full frame on a APS-C based camera, but it does change the field of view. Not a bad thing, just something to be aware of."

I hate to get into this on a thread for a newbie with a lot of good answers, but this is not true. On an EF-S camera, the EF 75-300 when set to 75 mm will have the exact same field of view as the EF-S 55-250 set to 75mm. I am not sure what you are saying here.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

Tronhard — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 23:21:32 GMT

I would suggest the following learning resources:
For a very basic intro to photography with a dedicated camera, I suggest investing a couple of hours for this free course by National Geographic photographer Chris Bray:

Also, go to your local library on-line catalogue and look for an item called either LinkedIn Learning or Lynda.com. If it appears in the catalogue, you can use your library card and PIN or PW to access this site free of charge. It contains all kinds of learning materials on many topics, but there is a great resource for photography. The courses are presented by professional photographers who are also professional trainers. They are broken into bite-size chapters that one can repeat as required.
If you don't have access via the library, you can get a free month by going to LinkedInLearning.com, but the library access is free without limit.
Once on the site, do a search for Photography Foundations and go from there. There are topics from the basics to advanced techniques and post production.

Re: Need info on my grand daughter's EOS Rebel T7 lens dimensions

Tronhard — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 23:56:06 GMT

I wonder if this is a case of semantics or interpretation, and you may both be trying to say the same thing, but terminology gets in the way.

Any lens, no matter if it is an APS-C or FF no matter what it says on the lens, on a crop sensor camera will have a Field of View reduced by the crop factor, resulting in an Equivalent FL that is 1.6x the lens physical one. This is my article on the topic.
Equivalence