Just saw this and I am hyped for you! Quick question tho - how far away from the stage will you actually be? Distance is everything for choosing the right focal length.

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (fast aperture for low light!)
• Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 for Canon EF (insanely cheap alternative) That 1.6x crop factor on your T7 makes a 50mm hit like an 80mm, which is literally perfect for portraits!

Honestly, i tried using the standard kit lens for a cousins graduation and it was a total bummer. The image quality at the long end was just muddy and disappointing, especially since the f/5.6 aperture is so restrictive. I really struggled with the lack of bokeh. Since the 50mm was already mentioned, i suggest looking at a used Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. Its surprisingly sharp for the price, though unfortunately the slower f-stop means you need decent light. I found that the focal length compression at 200mm+ makes portraits look way more professional than the kit lens ever could. Quick tip: Keep your shutter speed at least 1/250 to avoid camera shake when youre zoomed in. TL;DR: Kit lenses are usually a letdown for graduations; grab a used telephoto for better reach and compression.

Yo! Jumping in because I am obsessed with the technical side of these EF mounts! If you want something bulletproof and super sharp, you gotta look at the pancake lenses. I am a huge fan of the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM for this exact scenario. It's got incredible edge-to-edge sharpness that honestly puts some L-series glass to shame.

• STM motor: The stepping motor is whisper quiet and super reliable for tracking movement.
• Optics: Practically zero chromatic aberration which is huge when you are shooting in bright June sunlight.
• Focal length: On your T7 crop sensor, this hits around 64mm, which is a fantastic sweet spot for portraits. If you find yourself needing more room for group shots later, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is another amazing little beast. Its super reliable and the distortion levels are impressively low for a wide lens. Ngl, both of these are total hidden gems for beginners who want professional results without the massive price tag!

Honestly, dont even stress about it. I remember when I first picked up an older Rebel and was terrified of buying the wrong glass for a family event. I ended up getting the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and I've been so happy with it ever since. It's basically the gold standard for starting out without going broke. Since the T7 has a crop sensor, this effectively behaves like an 80mm lens which is just perfect for portraits because it compresses the background nicely. Here is why it works so well for your sisters graduation:

• It is super budget-friendly, usually well under your $150 limit.
• That wide f/1.8 aperture helps you get that blurry background everyone loves.
• The STM autofocus is quick and reliable for moving subjects. I've taken thousands of shots with mine and it just works well every time, no complaints at all. You really cant beat the value for money here.

I remember when I first started out with a similar crop sensor body and was obsessed with comparing proprietary glass against what third-party manufacturers were putting out. At that price point, you really start to notice the trade-offs between autofocus consistency and raw optical performance. One thing I learned early on is that some of the older third-party options had decent glass but the motors were loud and sometimes missed focus in low light during events like graduations. My first setup taught me that the communication between the lens and the body is basically just as important as the aperture setting. I eventually shifted my focus toward lenses that prioritized internal focusing motors because hunting for focus in a dark auditorium is a nightmare, ngl. The technical difference in color rendering between the big name brands and the budget alternatives is usually negligible for beginners, but the build quality and motor reliability are where the costs really diverge. Honestly, it just comes down to whether you prioritize the faster aperture of a third-party prime or the reliability of the native system motors.

Re: "Just saw this and I am hyped for..." - honestly this thread is a goldmine. Stumbled on this and it reminded me of when I was starting out with my T7 and trying to make every dollar count. Most people here are pointing you toward the 50mm or the 40mm pancake, and they are totally right. Those lenses are legends for a reason. I was so satisfied when I finally stopped buying brand new and checked out the used market. Since your budget is $150, you can actually get way more bang for your buck if you go DIY and look at secondhand gear sites. You dont need brand new glass to get pro results.

• The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is usually around $90 used. It works so well for portraits, I never had complaints about the bokeh.
• If you find you are gonna be sitting far away from the stage, look for a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. I got mine for $120 and it is surprisingly sharp for a zoom.
• Spend the leftover $30-50 on a used Canon Speedlite 430EX II. Seriously, having a real flash you can bounce off the ceiling will make your graduation photos look 10x more professional than any lens alone. I have been so happy with that combo for years and it still holds up.

^ This. Also, i actually disagree with the prime lens suggestions here. Primes are great for portraits in a controlled environment, but at a graduation ceremony you are usually stuck in one spot. I have owned dozens of lenses over the years and for events like this, you need the reach that a zoom provides.

• Just get any Sigma zoom lens you can find within that price bracket.
• Go with a Tamron telephoto if you want something that will last you for years.
• Stick to those third-party brands to get the most bang for your buck. Choosing a variable focal length from those manufacturers is a much safer bet for a beginner who cant move around freely. It works better for long-term ownership since you wont outgrow the versatility as fast.