Before we get into the guide, let’s start with the camera body. Canon EOS Rebel SL1 has an 18 MPx APS-C sensor with a 14-bit DIGIG 5 processor.

Its ISO value ranges from 100 to 12800, and the camera sports a four fps continuous shooting, along with 1080/30p recording. You can check your work on a 3-inch touchscreen as well.

So, which lenses are the best to complement the Rebel SL1?

Best Prime Lens For Portrait Photography

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 sets the minimum focus distance at 0,30m, and it is constructed with 15 elements in 12 groups, along with a seven-blade diaphragm.

The close-up magnification sits at 0,18x, and the angle of view is 57°. One of the best points of the lens is its mobility. It weighs only 130g, so it is portable and fits into every bag.

Moreover:

The build quality is rock-solid, with a focus ring that rotates smoothly, while the metal mount retains stability. The image quality is impeccable, which is why this is the best Rebel SL1 prime lens.

All the pictures appear tack-sharp, and the color transmission feels natural yet vibrant. In terms of focal length, the 40mm offers more versatility than a standard 50mm, and you can focus more on the subject, which is an advantage over 35mm.

Another awesome thing is the lowlight performance. I tested it during the late golden hour, and the pictures were quite sharp at the maximum opening. The focus was also quite good, and I didn’t notice any missed shots. It also manages to deal with flares and ghosting; overall, it is a significant investment.

Best Wide-Angle Lens For Landscape Photography

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 sets the closest focusing distance at 0,22m, with an angle of view of 107° 30′ to 74° 20′. The maximum magnification is 0,15x, and the lens packs seven diaphragm blades and optical image stabilization. The focal length is quite solid for both interior and cityscape photography.

Moreover:

I used it for landscapes, and I was content with the outcome. The design of the lens is compact and light with plastic construction.

Furthermore, the lens offers excellent image stabilization, which is a tremendous help in low light, which is vital, thanks to the limiting f/4 aperture. The focus system is yet another reason this optic is the best Rebel SL1 wide-angle lens since it is responsive, and the autofocus ring works flawlessly.

Furthermore, the lens can create an awesome-looking shallow depth of field, which is a nice feature for portrait shots.

The only drawback that refers to the image quality is a flare. It is noticeable if you shoot the light source, like a lamp, or if thee light is directly behind the subject. It is prominent at wider focal lengths but nothing too serious.

Best All-Around Lens For Everyday Photography

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 has an angle of view of 74° 20′ to 7° 50′, along with a close-up magnification of 0,24x. The lens has 16 elements in 12 groups and six diaphragm blades.

The closest focus distance is 45cm. The versatility of this glass is one of the reasons it is the best all-in-one Rebel SL1 lens. At 18mm, I can shoot incredible landscapes, and at 200mm, I get fantastic shots of hummingbirds far away.

Another great point of the lens is its durability. Thanks to the sturdy design, it can withstand harsh conditions, which comes in handy if you like to exploit the lens. The image quality is exceptional if the lighting is good, but the autofocus struggles in very dark places. The f/3.5 aperture is limited to an extent, but the overall quality is solid.

Furthermore:

Images appear sharp across the frame, with no noticeable distortion at the edges. I specifically like the zoom placement since it adds to the ergonomic status of the lens. Another great thing is the lightweight, considering the focal lengths of the lens.

Best Telephoto Lens For Wildlife Photography

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 has an angle of view of 27° 50′ to 6° 15′ and a maximum magnification of 0,29x.

The lens is constructed with 15 elements in 12 groups and has seven diaphragm blades. Due to its limiting aperture, the lens requires a reliable lighting source to shine fully, but overall image quality is quite good.

On the other hand:

Despite the focal length, it is compact and fits into every bag. Another plus is the plastic design which makes it light. The image stabilization helps a lot when shooting handheld, so even the narrow aperture doesn’t represent much of an issue in getting top-notch shots.

The picture quality is above average, with well-saturated colors and excellent contrast. The color transmission is sound, and the barrel distortion is visible only at the maximum focal length, which is another reason it is the best Rebel SL1 telephoto lens.

The focus system is solid when the lens is zooming in. However, when zooming out, it tends to hunt. The variable aperture doesn’t help with that, but if you manage to tweak your way through, this lens offers a lot for its price.

Best Macro Lens For Macro Photography

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 has an angle of view of 25°, and the closest focus distance is 0,65 feet. The floating optical system allows for a life-size 1:1 magnifying option. The lens uses a USM focus, ensuring silent and responsive concentration.

The overall sharpness this glass can achieve is the reason why it is the best Rebel SL1 macro lens. It is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever tested, with a stunningly high level of detail preserved.

Moreover, it is the actual macro lens with the mentioned 1:1 magnification, so you can easily capture small details.

In terms of aperture:

An f/2.8 is wide enough to tackle any lighting conditions and creates a smooth butter effect on the background. The focus point, or the subject, remains razor-sharp, with incredible detail.

The Focus system is silent and fast, with a full-time manual option. The system is internal, which means the lens doesn’t extend, nor does the front element rotate. The design is also excellent since it has a metal mount and finishes built to last.

Exploring the Potential of Your Canon EOS Rebel SL1

To get the most out of your Canon EOS Rebel SL1, it’s important to understand your camera’s capabilities and how to best utilize the lenses you have. Here are some practical tips to enhance your photography experience:

• Familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings: Spend time getting to know your Rebel SL1’s menu and the functions available to you. Understanding the basics like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO will significantly improve your ability to capture great photos.

• Use the Rule of Thirds for Composition: Activate the grid display on your 3-inch touchscreen to help you align your subjects according to the rule of thirds, which is a basic principle of composition that suggests dividing the frame into nine equal parts.

• Experiment with Shooting Modes: Don’t hesitate to switch between the various shooting modes. Use Aperture Priority (Av) when you want to control depth of field, Shutter Priority (Tv) for managing motion, and Manual (M) for complete creative control.

• Master Manual Focus: While autofocus is convenient, manual focus gives you precise control, especially in challenging lighting or when shooting macro. Use the magnification feature on your touchscreen to zoom in on your subject and adjust focus for sharp results.

• Learn about Exposure Compensation: In tricky lighting conditions, exposure compensation can be your best friend. It allows you to adjust the exposure manually to avoid underexposed (too dark) or overexposed (too bright) photos.

• Explore the Benefits of RAW: Shooting in RAW gives you more data for post-processing. If you’re serious about editing, switch from JPEG to RAW for higher quality images that can be tweaked more extensively.

• Understand the Impact of Focal Length: Different focal lengths can dramatically change the look of your photos. Wider angles can capture more of the scene and are great for landscapes, while longer focal lengths can bring distant subjects closer and are ideal for sports or wildlife photography.

• Keep Your Lenses Clean: A smudge or dust on your lens can ruin a great shot. Keep a lens cloth handy to wipe away any debris gently.

• Stabilize Your Camera: When shooting at slower shutter speeds or with longer focal lengths, camera shake can blur your photos. Use a tripod or stabilize your camera against a solid surface to keep your images sharp.

By integrating these tips into your photography routine, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and the lenses you choose to accompany it. Remember, photography is as much about technical knowledge as it is about creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your unique style.

What is the best lens for Canon EOS Rebel SL1?

When you invest in photographic equipment, it is natural to want the best bargain possible.

Often it means spending a considerable wealth. If you decide to purchase any of the best Canon EOS Rebel SL1 lenses I recommend, go for it.

All of them are tailored to suit a specific photographic niche and elevate your skill set to new heights.

Following this guide, you should be able to find the lens that is most suited to your needs. But if you still can’t decide which lens to choose, please comment below. I will try to find the lens that will boost the performance of your Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera.

Also, please check out guides such as the Canon Rebel T5i lens guide and the guide for Canon 70D lenses.