Good Telephoto Lens for EOS Rebel T3i

[JK5150]

I am brand new here and have been reading the forums for a while before deciding to join. I have had the EOS Rebel T3i for several years and use it mostly to take pictures at my kids’ games and functions. I am by no means a professional photographer, I am very amateur but have discussed buying a new telephoto lens to get better close up images of my kids since we are further away from the action. I’ve gone to several stores, some try to sell me an entirely new camera set with multiple lenses while others seem to try to force one lens on me because they have it in stock. I’m looking at the RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM and the RF600mm F11 IS STM, if either are even compatible with my camera. Some places say both are, others say only one is, so I don’t trust them. I’m looking for an upgraded lens that will allow me to zoom in closer to the action and get clean, crisp pictures. Not action pictures, but sometimes a burst of pictures and nothing complex (it’s baseball after all). Can someone provide some insight and/recommendations? Thanks!

[FloridaDrafter]

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@JK5150 wrote:

"Thanks for the input, I think I’m going with the 70~300 II. The examples I’ve seen on this thread are great pictures and from farther away than I will be most of the time. Now I need to save some coin for a new camera, the EOS 6D Mark II is a goal!!"

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I think you will be happy with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM II. I've used it on all of our Rebels and on our upper end cameras as well, including the R5 and R6 (with adapter). The thing about this lens, it's IQ gets better with each higher camera system. Generally, higher res cameras like my 5D4, R5 and R6 tend to expose a lenses weaknesses (pun intended). This lens has kept up and IQ doesn't take to big a hit on the higher res cameras. Since it is an "EF" it will fit and work properly on the 6D2, if that is your next move. Some other good things about the EF 70-300 II is it's light weight, but it is constructed well. It also focuses very close at 300mm and allows you to get some nice shots of flowers and insects.

The EF-S 55-250, although a really good lens and would serve you well on the T3i, would not be able to make the move to the full frame 6D2. It won't fit.

Here is what I have found, and I just lucked into this bit because I had no guidence. When I was in your position I decided to get the best glass I could afford, actually, I couldn't afford it but had a very understanding wife. I chose glass over upgrading the cameras I had (a Rebel XSi and T4i), and bought a refurbished EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM from the Canon store. That lens was a game changer for me. My images looked so much better, not that my other lenses/images didn't make me happy, I just never realized the potential of the better glass, after all, I thought the shots I was getting were pretty darn good. It extended the life of my Rebels a few years. I still have, and occasionally use, the 70-300 L, but have longer zooms now, the EF 100-400mm L and RF 100-500mm L (for my R5). I just prefer tele zooms. We still use the EF 70-300 II on a Rebel T7i, and my wife used it on the EOS R6 (with adapter) for a while, but swapped it out for the RF 100-400mm.

Newton

[kvbarkley]

I guess we should point out that if you want even more reach and versatility, one of the non-canon 150 - 600 mm zooms might fit the bill. Both Tamron and Sigma make them, but the consensus here is that the Sigma is slightly better. (Though I have the Tamron)

One option is to use LensRentals and try them out before buying. (LensRentals will even let you purchase the one you just rented if you find that you like the one you got.)

[ebiggs1]

The 6D Mk2 is not compatible with EF-S lenses. The EF series is designed for it.

[JK5150]

Obviously I have a lot to continue to learn!! I have narrowed it down quite a bit based on the info everyone here has shared and the 3 lenses I’m down to are the Canon 70~300, the Sigma and a Tamron. I have those models written down but have heard great things about all of them. I just need to remember the compatibility issues when I finally upgrade the camera some day. My goal now is the stronger lens. Thanks for the tip about renting a lens, I didn’t know that was possible and maybe something I should do to give each a test run.

[ebiggs1]

Renting inexpensive lenses isn’t a cost effective idea. I would not do it. The 150-600mm super zoom can be rented though.

I still think the 55-250mm zoom would satisfy your needs more. It is a whole lot more friendly for all around shooting. Check it out first.

[kvbarkley]

I think the 250 mm will be a little short. 300 mm is probably the minimum.

[ebiggs1]

Keep in mind the physical size of these choices. The 150-600mm zooms are large and heavy. The 55-250mm is more reasonable size and weight wise.