Best lenses for the Canon Rebel T8i

The Canon Rebel T8i offers a blend of intuitive features for beginners while offering advanced features once you become more experienced. Here are the best lenses for this camera...

Best lenses for the Canon Rebel T8i

These are the three best lenses I've used with my Canon Rebel T8i:

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L
3. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L

1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

• Focal Length: 50mm (75-80mm on Canon Rebel T6 due to crop factor)
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Image Stabilization: No
• Best For: Portraits, Street, Travel, Product
• Budget: $

To watch the video review I did for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, you can watch it here:

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 is my very first lens and a constant companion on professional photoshoots. This lens, also known as the "nifty fifty," punches way above its weight class and has a friendly price tag. This lens was a game-changer and a giant step up from the kit lens that comes with your Canon Rebel T8i. I'm pretty sure every photographer I've encountered has had this lens in their arsenal at some point.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM gets a lot of love. - It offers a wide f/1.8 aperture for beautiful bokeh and stellar image quality. This lens is a go-to in many scenarios:

• Portrait photography? Check.
• Nailing those headshots? Absolutely.
• Capturing the vibe of the street? Yes, sir.
• Snapping your travels? Perfect for it.
• Shooting products? Like a boss.

Stick around, and I'll show you some of the shots I've taken with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 and explain why I think it's an absolute must-have for anyone rocking a Canon Rebel T8i.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 example images

Here are some example images I have taken with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM:

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 focal length

This lens has a 50mm focal length, which is super versatile and ready for just about anything. It's perfect for portraits, street photography candid moments, or zeroing in on tiny details that others might overlook.

This means this lens will act like a 75-80mm lens when used on the Canon Rebel T8i as opposed to its normal 50mm focal length if you were to use it on a full-frame camera. Here is a side-by-side comparison I took to see what it looks like when using this lens on a crop sensor camera like the Canon Rebel T8i.

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 image quality

In terms of image quality, this lens doesn't mess around. It's razor-sharp, and you can get some seriously crisp images. It has a Gaussian optical design, which means odd blurs will be eliminated, and you'll have detailed shots.

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 maximum aperture

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which means you can capture some beautiful bokeh with it. That's why I mentioned this lens is perfect for portraits, headshots, or product photos when you need your subject to stand out.

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 build

In terms of the build, it's lightweight, compact, and a great travel buddy because it's so light. I don't even notice it's in my bag half the time it's that light.

Here are images of what the lens looks like from all angles:

When you use this lens with the Canon Rebel T8i, you'll be very cozy because this camera isn't heavy either since it's a crop sensor camera.

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 affordability

As mentioned earlier, they call this lens the "nifty-fifty." That's because, for the price you're paying, the value you get with this lens is unmatched. Whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned photographer keeping an eye on budget, this lens doesn't make you choose between quality and saving your pennies.

Canon EF 50mm f1.8 compatibility

In terms of compatibility, this lens pairs nicely with the Canon Rebel T8i. As mentioned earlier, the Crop Factor turns this lens into an 80mm lens when used on the Rebel T8i. This transformation makes it even more perfect for portraits, when you want intimate framing and bokeh without shoveling your lens in front of your subject's face.

The beauty of the EF 50mm f/1.8 and Rebel T8i pairing is also in the ease of use. The T8i’s technology complements the lens’s capabilities in terms of autofocus performance and handling low light situations with grace, thanks to the wide aperture. This combo allows you to focus on what really matters: capturing stunning images.

2. Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L

• Focal Length: 50mm (75-80mm on Canon Rebel T6 due to crop factor)
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Image Stabilization: No
• Best For: Portraits, Street, Travel, Product
• Budget: $

To see the video review I did for the Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS, you can watch it here:

Combining the Canon EF 24-70mm f4L IS USM with the Canon Rebel T8i was a game-changer. This lens is rugged, reliable, and insanely versatile. This lens is a part of Canon's L-series lineup, which means it has top-tier optics and a build that makes it feel like it could take a beating while still performing flawlessly. What's awesome about this lens is it's a zoom lens and has a range of focal lengths you can play with, making it great for photography situations such as:

• Capturing those epic landscapes
• Snapping travel memories
• Covering events and weddings like a pro
• Getting those candid street photography shots
• Even shooting video

And when you zoom in to 70mm, it does a pretty decent job for portraits, too. But, if portraits are your main jam, pairing it with something like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 might give you that extra edge. There's also a macro mode on this lens, so you can take macro photos too! You can pretty much take any type of photo with this lens.

Canon EF 24-70mm f4L example images

Here are some images I took with the Canon EF 24-70mm f4L:

Canon EF 24-70mm f4L focal length

This lens has a focal range of 24-70mm, offering incredible versatility.

You can see a side-by-side comparison here. Canon EF 24-70mm f4L ISM on APS-C Camera vs. Full-Frame Camera At its wide end, you can capture landscapes, and when it's zoomed in to 112mm, it's perfect for portraits or tighter compositions.

Canon EF 24-70mm f4L image quality

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L has amazing image quality as it is an L-series lens. The sharpness is there across its entire zoom range, even wide open at f/4. The aberrations and distortions are controlled, and the color rendition and contrast are top-notch.

Using this lens, you can breathe life into your photos with the Canon Rebel T8i. This lens also has built-in Image Stabilization (IS), which further enhances image quality by reducing camera shake on the Rebel T8i.

Canon EF 24-70mm f4L maximum aperture

This lens's maximum aperture is f/4 throughout the zoom range, ensuring consistency in exposure and depth of field control. It allows a decent amount of light to hit the sensor, allowing you to have lower ISO settings for cleaner images. While you won't have ultra-shallow depth of field like with an f/2.8 or wider lens, you'll still be able to get some nice bokeh out of this lens.

Especially when shooting at its max zoom range on the Canon Rebel T8i.

Canon EF 24-70mm f4L build

The build of this lens lives up to the reputation of L-series lenses. It's robust and weather-sealed, protecting against dust and moisture when shooting in rough conditions. It also remains relatively compact and lightweight, making it work well on the Canon Rebel T8i's compact body, ensuring the lens doesn't overpower your camera.

This lens is a fantastic tool for Rebel T8i users looking to explore a wide range of photographic genres without compromising on performance or image quality.

Canon EF 24-70mm f4L affordability

In terms of affordability, this lens is priced higher than entry-level lenses, but it's also more accessible than other professional-grade lenses. If you're starting to push the boundaries with your kit lens on your Rebel T8i and you are a versatile photographer, then this is an amazing upgrade in image quality, build, and versatility without breaking the bank.

It's an investment, but it can dramatically expand your photographic capabilities and enhance the quality of your work.

Canon EF 24-70mm f4L compatibility

In terms of compatibility, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L is compatible with the Canon Rebel T8i because it's an EF mount that Canon uses across its DSLR range. This means the lens will fit and function perfectly, and you'll benefit from its features, such as image stabilization and autofocus.

As mentioned, the only thing to keep in mind is the focal length will change into a 38-112mm focal length when used on the Canon Rebel T8i due to the crop factor, but in my opinion, it kind of makes the lens even better that way!

3. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L

• Focal Length: 100mm (160mm on Canon Rebel T6 due to crop factor)
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Best For: Macro, Portraits, Products, Headshots
• Budget: $$

To see the video review I did for the Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro, you can watch it here:

If you are a macro and portrait photographer, you'll love the Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro lens. Similar to the previous lens, this is an L-series lens meaning it has amazing image quality and a solid build. This lens is an absolute beast when it comes to:

• Getting up close with macro shots
• Snapping gorgeous portraits
• Detailing product photography
• Nailing those headshots

The results of playing around with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro on my Canon Rebel T8i are mind-blowing. Check out the example images below.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L example images

Here are a few example images I have taken with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM:

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L focal length

The 100mm focal length of this lens makes it perfect for macro shots or portraits, allowing you to get close-up shots with stunning detail while maintaining a comfortable distance.

Check out the side-by-side images I captured below when using this lens on a crop sensor versus a full-frame camera.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L image quality

As mentioned, this lens is an L-series lens, so exceptional image quality is a given. It delivers sharp images across the frame, with little to no minimal distortion and aberrations. This lens captures the minute details of your subject, whether it's in macro shots, where you can see every texture and color or in portraits, where skin tones and eye details are important.

This lens also has image stabilization (IS), further enhancing the image quality by reducing camera shake on the Canon Rebel T8i.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L maximum aperture

The maximum aperture of this lens is f/2.8, which means it works in various lighting conditions. The wide aperture allows you to shoot in lower light without compromising on shutter speed or ISO. You'll also have beautiful bokeh, which is important for macro and portrait work.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L build

In terms of build, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro is solid. It has weather-sealing, which means it will protect against dust and moisture trying to get into your Canon Rebel T8i. And while it is solid in build, it's relatively lightweight and balances well on the Rebel T8i.

Here are images I took of this lens and its build:

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L affordability

This lens is an L-series lens, so it's a bit more of an investment in terms of affordability, but compared to other L-series lenses, it's priced competitively, offering a good balance of cost and performance.

For enthusiasts and professional photographers using the Canon Rebel T8i, this lens is a worthwhile investment, especially if you focus on macro and portrait work.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L compatibility

This lens is fully compatible with the Canon Rebel T8i, offering seamless operation and functionality. It's designed to work with the Canon EF mount system, so you can take full advantage of the lens features like Hybrid Image Stabilization and its ultrasonic motor (USM).

What makes this lens so appealing on the Canon Rebel T8i is that you can produce professional-grade image quality on a camera body that is more accessible to emerging professionals.

In conclusion, I believe those are the best lenses for the Canon Rebel T8i that I have used. Thanks for reading!