elgallo2018 Loc: California - Northern Central Valley

Salutations, fisrt time owner of a digital camera. Thank you for this opportunity on the open suggestions yall give us. I am lookikng for help on correct usage on my new camera.

My next purchase is going to be another lens. Not sure which ro buy, my kids are going ro play sports. We have a large family and want to make our own Christmas cards in the coming years.

I am looking forward on reading any help and suggestions that are posted in all the forms.

Thank you,
Happy New Year happy shutter opening.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

You have a T6i and want to purchase another lens, what lens(es) did you get with the camera?
Besides the kids sports (and what sports) and general family shots do you plan on taking. That will have a lot to do with lens recommendations. ie outdoor daytime sports don't need fast lenses, indoor like basketball need faster lenses.

elgallo2018 Loc: California - Northern Central Valley

The lens that came with the camera is res 18-55mm.

Kids sports; soccer, t-ball, riding their bikes and running around our back yard and cabin.

Family pictures with landscapes, beach, forest, lake, parks close ups. Including with my extended family. I like to use the tripod with the camera indoors and out doors.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

T6i normally comes with Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens.

Complement that with an Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lens. That's quite good.

DO NOT buy the often cheaper EF 75-300mm "III", it does not have as good image quality, has slower "micro motor" focus (instead of "STM") and doesn't have image stabilization (IS). The 55-250mm lens is a little more expensive, but better in almost every way, including closer focusing.

A nice, inexpensive "portrait" lens is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It also can serve for low light shooting.

If you find the 18-55mm isn't wide enough for landscapes, cityscapes, or other purposes.... the Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM is a bargain priced "ultrawide" zoom. It's a bit plasticky, but relatively small, lightweight and one of the most affordable, yet still surprisingly capable.

To learn to use your camera as quickly and painlessly as possible, I recommend one of the guide books you'll find for it on Amazon (or elsewhere): https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=canon+T6i+

I'm familiar with books by David Busch and, I think, David Taylor. They were good. I don't know the others, so you might look for more info in the buyer reviews online.

A more general purpose book that many people find very helpful is Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure".

Those can complement the camera user manual that was provided (might be on disk... or printed version may be abbreviated... if so you can download a free PDF from the Canon website).

elgallo2018 Loc: California - Northern Central Valley

Thank you,

For your suggestion. Looks like those lens come in a combo kit.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Amfoto1's recommendations are good the 10-18, your 18-55, the 55-250 and the 50 f/1.8 for low light would give you a good set. And not all that bulky and heavy for carrying in a shoulder bag or camera backpack. I go on the idea that one will be on the camera and maybe even with the camera/lens on the tripod over your shoulder or cradled in your arms. If you get the urge for something longer look at one of the 100-400s Tamron and Sigma each have one for about $800, the Canon L is $2K.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Welcome.
Tell us a bit more with what you have in lens(es) and what sort of photos you anticipate on taking. For example sports and what types of sports, hiking as a family, formal portraits, opening Christmas presents around the tree etc.
This will help the knowledgeable members here to help guide you with the myriad of products available for your excellent Canon T6i camera.

LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY

I have a Canon T6, for Xmas I received a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Lens. It fits nice with the 18-55 kit lens I have. I did not get the STM version. The lower noise motor was not of interest to me, I do not take video. But would be good for those that take videos. The Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 lens looked really good, tried it at B&H, but out of my price range.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

The EF-S 55-250 is a good option to consider - see amfoto1's post.

I would strongly recomend the STM version. In addition to being quiet it is optically superior to either of it's predecessors.

achesley Loc: SW Louisiana

My most used lens on my 3Ti is the Canon 28-135.

Orson Burleigh Loc: Annapolis, Maryland, USA

I strongly second the recommendation of the EF-S 55-250mm IS STM for your T6i. Considering the quality results that the lens produces at its relatively low price, the EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is a no-brainer.
The equally high-value-for-money EF-S 10-18mm IS STM and the EF 50mm f1.8 STM are currently on sale as a 'Portrait & Travel 2 Lens Kit' at $349.99.
The EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM is a more expensive but versatile lens that is usually considered to be of higher quality than EF-S kit lenses. Though an older design, the EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 provides effective image stabilization and can produce very good image quality in low-light situations. The EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM and an EF-S 55-250mm IS STM constitute an effective, compact grab-and-go setup with a Rebel or an 80D.

JohnH3 Loc: Auburn, AL

My go to lens for my T6s is a EF-S 18-135mm. I also have a full frame and I shoot mainly with an EF-L series 24-104 f4 (expensive glass). I am amazed how the quality of the EF-S 28-135 compares. I also have an EF-S 10-18 mm that is very inexpensive, but does okay with wider shots. It however does no compare to my EF-L series 16-35 f4, but is very acceptable. For the purposes you have mentioned, you might consider a Canon EF 70-200mm. It comes in different f configurations and IS. I also have a Sigma 150-600 mm Contemporary that is use a lot on both my crop frame and full frame. It is great for shooting baseball and wildlife when you have plenty of light.

Just know that there is not just one magic lens out there that will do it all. Read as many articles as possible and educate yourself on lens, lens/camera combinations, etc. It will save you money in the long run if you do.

I urge you to consider your long term photography goals. Are you just getting into it or will you really just want to take family pics, etc. If indeed, you wish to develop your skills, don’t skimp on glass! Good glass is the key to good photography. A good camera dealer (Cameragraphics in Auburn, AL) has proven to be a great resource. I have never been steered in the wrong direction once, but to the contrary, I have been advised in ways that have saved me a lot of money in the long run. They will even let me try a lens (used) before buying the used lens or a new version of it. Maybe you could find someone similar. I would also encourage you to consider good/clean used lens. You can have the same lens and save significant money over new ones. Good luck

Al Freeedman

I also own a Canon T6i and like it alot.

I use as a walk around lens the Sigma 18-250 MM. for Wide angle a Canon 10-18 MM (EF-S)
and for portraits the Tamron f:2 60 MM macro 1:1 This lens is like a 90 MM on the T6i.

Couldn't be happier with the camera and quality of each lens.

Check out KEH for great prices on used and refirbs.

Captain AL

zayrey Loc: Michigan

I know your question was about adding a lens to the ones that came with your Canon t6i, but I would highly recommend checking out a video series by John Greengo on using your camera. I own the t6s and found the video series offered by CreativeLive extremely valuable to help me learn all the bells and whistles of the camera.

J2e Loc: Canandaigua, NY