Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS Rebel T3i

[connor_y123]

Hey everyone! I’m a 17-year-old amateur photographer currently shooting on a Canon EOS Rebel T3i, and I’m looking for advice on a good telephoto lens upgrade. I’ve been saving money from working a summer job for the past year, and I only have around $700 total to spend.

I mainly shoot:

• Sports
• Events

Right now I’m trying to find something with:

• Good zoom range
• Sharp image quality
• Decent autofocus

Since I’m an amateur and don’t have unlimited money, I’d really appreciate any recommendations.

Thanks so much!

[ebiggs1]

Well $700 isn't going to buy much new. The best you can do is a used Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2.  A good used copy should be in your wheelhouse. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG is another choice and would be my second choice and might be a little cheaper. Either will serve you well.

[ebiggs1]

BTW, IMHO, avoid going the tel-con route even though some may suggest it. There is no free lunch in photography you always give up something to get something. Always.

[Tintype_18]

I have the Sigma 150-600mm lens. What photos will you be shooting that requires a telephoto lens?

[Waddizzle]

“ 

mainly shoot:

• Sports
• Events

Right now I’m trying to find something with:

• Good zoom range
• Sharp image quality
• Decent autofocus

Since I’m an amateur and don’t have unlimited money, I’d really appreciate any recommendations.“

Hello/1 Welcome to the forums.

First and foremost, there isn’t a single lens that can do it all.  If there were, then there would not be a variety of lenses to choose from each manufacturer.  Shooting sports, I assume outdoor sports, requires a lens that has a very different focal range compared to one used for invents, I assume indoor events.

Let’s start with what lenses do you currently have.  It is likely that one or more could be suitable for indoor events.

As for outdoor sports, I think you could do well with a used lens.  I would suggest something in the 70-200mm family of lenses, which will give you a focal range similar to using a 100–400mm on a full frame lens.

I would recommend shopping for a Canon EF 70-200mm,  Canon has released a handful of variants over the years.  Purchase form a reputable used camera dealer.  Not eBay or any other online marketplace.  I use KEH.

[Waddizzle]

i just found this at KEH.  

[LeeP]

^^THIS^^

[stevet1]

connor_y123,

Another suggestion might be the 55-250mm.

It might not have the reach of the 400 or 500mm range, but it's well within your budget.

For years, it was the only lens I had.

Steve Tmas

[ebiggs1]

"Another suggestion might be the 55-250mm."

"I would recommend shopping for a Canon EF 70-200mm, ..."

"I mainly shoot:

• Sports
• Events"

OP,

You post is pretty vague. However, if you intend on shooting any outdoor sports I.E. soccer, football, baseball, track, etc., 200mm FL isn't going to be enough.  It does depend on what you are satisfied with since it may not be what I would consider to be good and OK.

"...there isn’t a single lens that can do it all."

So true but don't we wish. Most of us real enthusiasts carry three lenses almost all the time and some more. Myself, I always have my Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens and my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens. If I am in need a fourth lens the Sigma 150-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens goes along.

If I had to choose just one lens and one lens is all I could afford and sports was in my wheelhouse it would be the big Siggy. Especially if you got the standard kit lens along with your Rebel T3i.

If you could be a bit more specific on exactly what you want the lens for it would help a great deal with recommendations.

[ebiggs1]

"It might not have the reach of the 400 or 500mm range, but it's well within your budget."

Making the decision based solely on "it's well within your budget." is almost certainly going to guarantee you will buy the wrong lens. Of course money is an important factor, it has to be a weighted factor. Saving a bit longer and getting what you really need is a better course.