09-12-2023 07:11 PM
Hi,
I have a T2i (at least 8 years old - purchased new) and I am looking for a zoom lens for taking mainly landscape and some nature photography. I have been doing some research on mount type, but I am getting conflicting information. From what I can tell, my camera body will accept an EF or EF-S lens. Is this a correct presumption? What is the difference between the two different mounts?
Thank you,
Tom
09-12-2023 07:31 PM - edited 09-12-2023 08:00 PM
I used to have a T2i also, it is a nice camera. EF-S lenses were designed for crop sensor cameras, such as yours. EF lenses, fit crop sensor (such as your T2i) and full sensor cameras. If you plan on keeping this camera for a while, I recommend a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM lens. I have one for my 80D camera, and it is sharp and versatile with its zoom range.
09-12-2023 07:47 PM
Canon's DSLRs come with 2 different sensor sizes currently (there used to be a 3rd) and 2 different lens mounts. You have the EF Mount this is the original EOS Mount from 1987. It was designed to project an image circle large enough to cover 35mm film (36x24) or a Full Frame Digital camera image sensor. Then you have the EF-S Mount from 2003 which is separate lens mount for crop sensor cameras (24x16). Both the EF and EF-S Mounts are electrically the same but mechanically different. It is NOT possible to mount an EF-S lens to EOS Film SLR or a Full Frame digital camera. If it could be mounted the mirror would hit the rear element of the lens and cause serious damage. I assume that you have the kit lens with your camera. Which would be the EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 lens. Canon has made many variants of this lens. Including IS, Non-IS, Micro Motor USM AF Motor (Asia Only), Micro Motor AF Motor, STM AF Motor (newest version) & IS versions over the years. But look into the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS STM lens if you need more reach.
09-12-2023 08:36 PM
Thank you for the replies! I took a closer look at my kit lens, and yes, it is EF-S 18-55mm with image stabilization and auto focus. Based on the lens that I have, I will need a lens with an EF-S mount.
Thanks again for your replies,
Tom
09-12-2023 08:39 PM
You are not limited to an EF-S mount lens. An EF mount lens will also work.
09-12-2023 09:03 PM
Canon's APS-C DSLRs can use BOTH EF & EF-S lenses. Canon made the mount backwards compatible with film era EF lenses for a reason. When the first EF-S Mount camera was released for a reason. To this day Canon's APS-C DSLRs can still use Full Frame EF lenses and APS-C EF-S lenses. Of which the EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM lens lineup is quite popular. For sports and wildlife photographers. If you unmount your current lens you will notice 2 mounting indexes. There is a Red circle index at the 12 o'clock position for Full Frame EF Lenses. Then at the 1 o'clock position there is a White square mounting index for APS-C EF-S lenses. Full Frame and EOS AF Film SLRs ONLY have the Red Circle Mounting index. Full Frame EF Mount lenses will mount and work on ALL of Canon's APS-C DSLR camera bodies. My EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS III USM lens mounts and works on my old EOS 40D which is an APS-C camera. That same lens mounts and works on my Full Frame 5D Mark IV.
09-12-2023 09:07 PM
Tom,
As others have said, your T2i has an EF lens mount. You can use any EF or EF-S lenses.
If you do a Google search for Canon Rebel T2i Compatible lenses, you'll find a whole host of lens suggestions.
One you might also consider is the 50mm f/1.8 STM. It's a prime lens, so it doesn't zoom, but you'll be able to use it in lower light situations. It only runs about $125 and gives pretty nice pictures.
Steve Thomas
09-12-2023 09:20 PM
Thank you for clearing up the mount issue and suggestions for additional lenses to use. All your replies really helped me understand the EF-S vs EF mounts.
Thank you all again,
Tom
01/27/2025: New firmware updates are available.
12/18/2024: New firmware updates are available.
EOS C300 Mark III - Version 1..0.9.1
EOS C500 Mark II - Version 1.1.3.1
12/05/2024: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R5 Mark II - Version 1.0.2
09/26/2024: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R6 Mark II - Version 1.5.0
Canon U.S.A Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.