Looking for a Telephoto Lens That Fits a EF-S 18-55mm

[Julianna]

Hi everyone! I'm trying to find a telephoto lens so I can take pictures of the moon, animals, etc. I have some experience in photography (I'm self taught), and would love to expand my knowledge and diversity of photos so any advice is much appreciated! I have a Canon EF-S 18-55mm and have been looking into different lenses, but I would much rather go off of someone with experience rather than just what AI tells me. So if anyone has any advice, resources, etc, please don't hesitate. 

[rs-eos]

Take a look at the EF-S 55-250mm.  That should allow for decently sized closeups of the moon.

I've never used that particular lens, so others can weigh in if there would be better options.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

In addition, it might be helpful for us to know the model of your camera, and the budget you have for this lens.

[Waddizzle]

It seems like you’re asking for recommendations for a telephoto lens accessory that would mount to the front of the lens.  These accessories are not worth it.

One, the image quality tends to be poor.  Two, the additional weight is likely to strain the focusing motors in your current lens.  

[Julianna]

I forgot to include that I have an EOS 4000D

[Julianna]

Sorry, I have an EOS 4000D. And as far as budget goes, I don't have to have the lens right now, so if it's on the more expensive side I can definitely save up. I just want a good lens that's going to last.

[stevet1]

Julianna,

Your camera has an EF mount, so any EF or EF-S lens will work.

Ricky's suggestion of a 55-250mm lens is a pretty good one, I think.

Canon has the IS STM version for sale right now for $300. IS means that it has Image Stabilization and STM means that it has a Stepping Motor, which means that it is smooth and quiet.

I have one myself, and for years, it was the only lens I had.

Other, more far reaching lenses, are going to cost hundreds of dollars more.

Steve Thomas

[kvbarkley]

Correction: You have an EF-S mount, but it does take EF and EF-S lenses.

I don't think the 55-250 is long enough for you.

The usual recommendation is for a Tamron or Sigma 150 - 600.

You can get a shot of the moon like this:

Which will be about twice the size you can get with the 55-250.

[normadel]

If there is some AI that recommended a telephoto adapter lens to fit ON your 18-55, run as fast as you can. That's Artificial Stupidity. There are such things, but they are junk optically and can damage your lens.

[ebiggs1]

"Take a look at the EF-S 55-250mm.  That should allow for decently sized closeups of the moon."

"I don't think the 55-250 is long enough for you."

And I don't either. 250mm isn't long enough for really any real telephoto work. Let alone something as far away as the Moon. 300mm is where a telephoto really starts to look like a telephoto. And if birds or other small creatures are in mind 400mm is the bottom, IMHO, as always.

Unfortunately telephoto lenses are big and heavy that's just the way it is. So if you are not good with that a real telephoto will bring you no joy. The best one for your camera is one of the so-called super zooms form Sigma or Tamron in the 150-600mm class FL.

A tripod or even a monopod can help a bit but a tripod for shooting the Moon is mandatory.