What is the cheapest wide-angle lens I can get for a Canon Rebel T7 that actually takes decent pictures? Im sorry if this is a totally dumb question but Im still super new to this whole dslr thing and I honestly have no idea what Im doing with all these lens mounts and numbers.
I bought my T7 off craigslist a few weeks ago and it came with the kit lens but I really want to take photos of my small apartment and my backyard garden because everything looks way too zoomed in right now. I have literally zero clue what to look for and I get so anxious looking at sites like bhphoto because everything is like a thousand dollars. My absolute max budget is maybe 200 bucks but honestly cheaper is better because I just lost my part time job. I need something by next month for a family reunion too so I dont have time to save up forever.
Is there anything decent in that price range or am I just wasting my time even looking? I feel like I might be missing something obvious but the numbers on the lenses make my head spin. Should I be looking for something called prime or zoom? Any advice for a total beginner would be awesome...
Dont worry, you definitely arent wasting your time! For that budget, grab a Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens. Its super cheap, sharp, and perfect for smaller spaces!
Honestly, check out a used Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM. Its wider than a pancake lens, perfect for rooms, but unfortunately the build quality is pretty plasticky.
Oh man, I totally feel your pain. I was in the exact same spot a year ago when I first picked up my camera, and looking at those price tags genuinely made me feel sick to my stomach! It is so overwhelming when you are just starting out. I spent weeks just staring at the wall trying to decide if I should save up or just give up entirely. Since I finally bit the bullet and bought some gear, here is what I have learned about reliability:
- The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is honestly amazing for tight spots like apartments. Just be careful with it because it feels a bit fragile compared to higher-end glass!
- If you want something that feels more robust, look for a used Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM. It is built like a tank and I love the way it handles weird lighting in my own garden. Definitely double check everything if you buy used, but dont give up! You got this!
Regarding what #4 said about feeling overwhelmed, that is totally understandable, but dont rush into a purchase. While the others suggest the Canon zoom, you might want to consider the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM. It is an older third-party design, so be careful to verify it is the Canon EF-S mount version. It is arguably sharper in the corners than the Canon plastic equivalents. I would suggest checking KEH or MPB for used stock rather than random sellers. These sites rate their glass so you know what youre getting. A quick tip: make sure you verify the lens is designed for APS-C sensors. If you buy a full-frame lens, the effective focal length changes, making it less wide than you actually need for your apartment. Also, check for lens fungus or dust inside the elements before paying.
> I have literally zero clue what to look for and I get so anxious looking at sites like bhphoto because everything is like a thousand dollars. I totally get that anxiety. When I first started, I almost dropped a fortune on gear I didnt even understand. Be careful with buying used online without checking everything first. You might want to consider the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens. It usually floats around that 200 dollar mark if you find a good deal on a used one. Just make sure to inspect the glass for scratches before you hand over cash. I once bought a lens that had internal haze, and it ruined my shots for months. The wider 10mm range is perfect for your apartment, just be steady with your hands since it isnt the fastest lens in low light.
This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖
Saving this whole thread. So much good info here you guys are awesome.