topic High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

RainyNight — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 11:57:08 GMT

I was just wondering if anyone can please recommend a high-powered telephoto zoom lens that is compatible with the EOS Rebel T7i

I'm looking for something 400mm or higher for photographing the moon.

If possible I'm hoping to find one for under $500 but I know that might not be realistic.

Thanks for any help!

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

ebiggs1 — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:07:47 GMT

Recommending the lens is easy. Keeping it at or around $500 is impossible. Good and cheap are opposites. Not simpatico.

Anyway here goes;

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon EF, and

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF

Both fo these blow the doors off $500 bucks. They are a your choice deal as both are nearly the same IQ wise.

There is cheaper options in the prime market. For instance;

Bower 500mm f/8 Manual Focus Telephoto T-Mount Lens. It is not a zoom and it is totally manual. Totally ! However it is around $125 bucks. It is also reasonably decent in IQ. This lens is branded by several makers but essentially the same lens no matter.

This brings us to the used market. You may still have a hard time finding one of the above super zooms for $500 but there were other variants that can be had for around $500. For instance, the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens.

I might mention one of my all time favorite teles, the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens. This is a unique lens that only Canon makes. It is superb and a best buy for sure. Used, $500 might not be possible but close, $750 should be doable. This lens is light, fast and super sharp. A hand-holder's delight.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

ebiggs1 — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:09:10 GMT

Oh, BTW, remember the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens is 640mm on your Rebel.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

ebiggs1 — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:11:46 GMT

Again, BTW, if you do go for one of the super zooms in the 150-600mm range, you are talking a whopping 960mm on your Rebel. This will almost surely necessitate a tripod for the absolute best shots.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

kvbarkley — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:48:57 GMT

Do you mean 400 mm equivalent to FF, or 400 mm actual?

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

RainyNight — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:23:38 GMT

@ebiggs1 - thank you so much for taking the time to respond!

I really appreciate the info and had a feeling that my price-point was too low for what I want to do.

But you certainly nailed it on the recommendations. I Googled the Tamron / Sigma / Canon each along with the terms for the subjects I want to shoot with them, and the images that came up on the various photog discussion sites were exactly what I'm hoping to be able to achieve someday soon.

I also tried the same type or search terms with the cheap Bower that you mentioned, and while the images were somewhat acceptable they really lacked the detail and overall look that I want to achieve.

Looks like I need to start saving toward that $800 to get one of the nicer models you mentioned on the used market (you were right - found some for around $750).

As you can probably tell I'm just stepping into the "real camera" realm after way too many years of putting off my passion due to finances. I've simply reached the limits of what I can do with point & shoots / phone cams etc... and I'm thirsting to learn & do more. I'm in my late 40's so I guess that makes me a little late to the game, but no less enthused about it.

My Rebel T7i will be here any day and I cannot wait!

I also don't have a tripod yet and will surely need one with my somewhat shaky hands. I'm going to guess that a cheap $30 Amazon tripod isn't going to handle those big zoom lenses on the T7i, so it's time for me to research tripods now as well.

Based on your input so far, a realistic expectation for the zoom quality I want (used) plus a tripod I'm guessing is going to be in the $850 - $900 range total. Time to start socking those pennies away...

Thanks again for your replies!!

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

RainyNight — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:45:43 GMT

@kvbarkley - I'm just learning, so I wasn't sure exactly how to respond to your question. All I really know is that I want to be able to take good quality detailed photos of subjects like the moon, and that it would require a zoom of 400mm or better to achieve.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

kvbarkley — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 17:34:20 GMT

This:

Was taken with a 500 mm (actual) lens. On a FF camera it would take a lens of 800 mm to fill the frame the same.

A 400 mm (actual) lens will get you the same field of view on your rebel as a 640 mm lens would on a FF camera. If you were looking for a 400mm FF equivalent you could get buy with a 250 mm lens.

I am pretty sure you want a 400 mm (actual) lens though, longer is better.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

StanNH — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 11:20:20 GMT

I use a Tamron 150-600mm (version 1) and have had really good luck with it. It can be used handheld, even at 600mm, but you'll need a fast shutter speed and a steady hand. A tripod makes it easier and is always recommended at longer focal lengths. This is a cropped bird shot I just took using its full 600mm handheld. The Sigma is also very good, and it offers similar performance but is a bit heavier.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

Waddizzle — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 13:56:46 GMT

@RainyNight wrote:
I was just wondering if anyone can please recommend a high-powered telephoto zoom lens that is compatible with the EOS Rebel T7i

I'm looking for something 400mm or higher for photographing the moon.

If possible I'm hoping to find one for under $500 but I know that might not be realistic.

Thanks for any help!

Save up for quality super telephoto lens. Beware of the used marketplace.

Invest in a good tripod or monopod. I am hardly the bird photographer, but I like to fish, and I have found birding has many similarities to fishing, except birding is far less messy. Shooting handheld with BIG lenses takes a LOT of practice, and so it is skill many never master. Consider investing in some form of camera support.

If you are on the go in the wild, I find a monopod to more useful and easier to manage than a tripod. A tripod is good if you plan to park yourself in one general location, but unless you are in a hidden location, the wildlife will easily spot you. A sufficiently robust tripod can be heavy, which is why the lighter carbon fiber tripods are popular.

But, I have found that a monopod is lighter than a tripod, easier to carry, and faster to setup. A monopod can also be a less costly solution for someone on the move. Use a tilt head with a monopod, You pan by turning the entire rig. I use a Kirk MPA-2 head on a Benro A48TD monopod.

I love the Kirk because the quick release is Arca-Swiss compatible, like the rest of my gear, but more importantly, the quick release clamp can be rotated 90 degrees. The Benro monopod came with an excellent case, large enough to hold a mounted video head, and has retractable feet for stability. That is as good as it gets on a budget. I am not recommending that particular gear, but only trying to give you an idea of "what to think about" as you consider your options. A tripod would cost more than a monopod, and you would likely want a head with a larger price tag than a tilt-only head.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

Waddizzle — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 14:27:44 GMT

TRIPODS and HEADS:

I prefer tripods without a center column, like how most video tripods are made. Many birders use gimbal mounts, which are large and heavy. Using a gimbal tends to test the stability of a tripod. A raised center column only decreases the stability of a tripod. Because of their size, gimbal heads tend to cost a few hundred dollars, which makes them cost prohibitive to most consumers and photo enthusiasts.

Ball heads are more compact than a gimbal, which makes them the most popular type of tripod head sold. Ball heads are great for stills, and simple horizontal pans. Ball heads are not so great for panning AND tilting, like would tracking a bird in flight. No wonder so many folks prefer to hand hold the lens compared to using their tripod with a ball head. Don't get wrong, though. I prefer a ball head under most general shooting scenarios. They are faster to setup than a gimbal.

Another type of tripod head design are tilt heads and pan/tilt heads. I described a tilt head in the previous post. A pan/tilt head adds horizontal panning. Most video heads are pan/tilt designs, but they can have limited range when it comes to tilting. They are frequently limited by how much they can tilt backwards to point up, usually around 60 degrees or so. But, they are able to tilt forward much further, frequently to a full 90 degrees. I use my pan/tilt on a tripod that i do not plan to move, like when I shoot the rare video.

Again, I like tripods without a center column. Nothing beats the convenience and speed of setup than a center column. But, your tripod is less stable with the center column raised. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a couple of Benro Combination Series aluminum tripods before they were discontinued a couple of years ago. A similar carbon fiber tripod that is available today would be the Induro Grand Series.

I still have a couple of "starter" tripods with center column that I still use on occasion. They have a smaller footprint than my tripods that lack center columns. They are great for macro shots.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

ebiggs1 — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 15:01:15 GMT

"I use a Tamron 150-600mm (version 1) and have had really good luck with it."

Yes you have! Nice shot.

I hand hold my big Sigma S on a 1 D Mk IV so I know it is possible. I also have the C version and I agree it is much easier. You can hold longer with it. I own the Tamron, too. I think they are too close to call a winner.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

RainyNight — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 19:06:31 GMT

@kvbarkley - Thank you for the clarification and yes I suppose I meant 400mm actual now that I understand. Great shot of the moon too!

@StaNH - Thanks for sharing the amazing example of what you can do with the Tamron 150-600mm!

I most definitely do not have the steady hand it would require to make those shots, so...

@Waddizzle - Thanks for your input regarding tripods - I really have no idea where to begin and I'm not in a position to afford the "real gear" yet, so based on what you wrote and some searching I did, I'm guessing I *might* be able to pull off $80 ballpark for a "hobbyist" level tripod that will hold my Rebel T7i with something like the Tamron 150-600mm on it.

All of you - thank you so much for taking the time to post your feedback here. I'm sure you encounter your fair share of noobs like me who have caught the fever to become a better photographer and want to take the kind of shots we have in our heads, and it must be hard to want to answer our rookie questions sometimes. I really appreciate it very much.

My Rebel T7i was supposed to be here days ago and was lost in processing or shipping, so after some rigamoraul with customer service reps the tracking shows arrival today. So excited to begin learning!

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

RainyNight — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 19:10:47 GMT

@ebiggs1 - Thanks again for your previous advice, and I have another question if you don't mind - if you were going to do a mostly night sky & moon shoot, would you prefer to use the Canon EF 400mm or the Tamron 600mm or the Sigma 600mm?

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

ebiggs1 — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 20:12:35 GMT

IMHO, the ef 400mm f5.6L is a tad bit too short for Moon shots although it can be done. It is a wonderful lens and must be considered as a whole package. It is light which makes it a dream to use. It is super sharp. It does not have IS but that doesn't bother me at all. There was time when none of my teles had IS. We did OK, imagine that? If some one said the ef 400mm f5.6L is the only tele you can own, I would still be happy.

On the 150-600mm twins, I think they are too close to call a winner. Cook's choice! The Tamron has some weather sealing the Sigma doesn't. Make a difference to you?

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

Waddizzle — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:11:12 GMT

W
@RainyNight wrote:

@Waddizzle - Thanks for your input regarding tripods - I really have no idea where to begin and I'm not in a position to afford the "real gear" yet, so based on what you wrote and some searching I did, I'm guessing I *might* be able to pull off $80 ballpark for a "hobbyist" level tripod that will hold my Rebel T7i with something like the Tamron 150-600mm on it.

Normally, a "hobbyist level" tripod that lists for fifty to hundred dollars would work with a Rebel Series and the kit lenses. Just as long as it is not plastic. But, I don't think a budget is likely to work well with a heavier lens like th 150-600mm lenses.

If you're going to spend the money for a 150-600, give it a quality tripod. You will only wind up buying a better one down the road, after you figure why the budget tripod was so inexpensive. Most are suitable for point and shoot camera, not DSLRs, and not suitable for heavy lens.

Instead of buying a cheap tripod, buy a protective CLEAR filter for the lens, instead. I recommend a B+W XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter. I have found UV filters not to be very useful shooting sports and wildlife. Software can clean up skies, and i don't take many photographs trying to see below the surface of a lake.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

ebiggs1 — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:41:50 GMT

Not trying to talk you out of buying a tripod, however................

If you choose the ef 400mm f5.6L you may not need a tripod. I know several guys that use that lens and do not own a tripod. Yes, it is that light. It is a dream to handhold. Sans, tripod, give a monopod a look.

"I have found UV filters not to be very useful shooting sports and wildlife. Software can clean up skies, and i don't take many photographs trying to see below the surface of a lake."

I have no idea what that means? UV filters work as well as any protecto filter for sports and/or wildlife. I don't think they show what's under a lake. At least I never heard of it before!

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

Waddizzle — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:52:30 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
Not trying to talk you out of buying a tripod, however................
If you choose the ef 400mm f5.6L you may not need a tripod. I know several guys that use that lens and do not own a tripod. Yes, it is that light. It is a dream to handhold. Sans, tripod, give a monopod a look.

"I have found UV filters not to be very useful shooting sports and wildlife. Software can clean up skies, and i don't take many photographs trying to see below the surface of a lake."

I have no idea what that means? UV filters work as well as any protecto filter for sports and/or wildlife. I don't think they show what's under a lake. At least I never heard of it before!

Oops. I had meant to write "... found UV and CPL filters not to be ...". Phone rang in the middle of typing a reply.

I have stopped using UV and CPL filters on my super telephoto. They are useless for the vast majority of shooting scenarios when I am using the lens. I get sharper photos with a Clear filter. My EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is much sharper without a UV or CPL filter. All I use is a Clear filter on all of my lenses now. Much sharper photos.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

Waddizzle — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:59:50 GMT

Ernie, also suggested a monopod. That's good idea for using a super telephoto like a 150-600mm lens. You can get a quality setup is you wait and look for sales. I like to shop online at B&H Photo Video.

You can get a quality monopod and head for half the price of a quality tripod, but it would still exceed your budget. I recommend buying a protective filter, right out of the gate when you buy the lens.

Re: High-power telephoto lens for Rebel T6i T7i

ebiggs1 — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 16:44:49 GMT

" Phone rang in the middle of typing a reply."

Hmmm... Explains a lot !