The 5 Best Lenses for the Canon T6 (To Instantly Improve Your Photos)

If you own a Canon Rebel T6, you have a capable camera. But if you are still using the 18-55mm “kit lens” that came with it, you are only scratching the surface of what your camera can do.

The single best way to dramatically improve your photos is to invest in a new lens. A good lens can give you creamier, blurrier backgrounds, sharper images, and the ability to shoot in situations your kit lens can’t handle.

The great news is that upgrading doesn’t have to be expensive. The Canon T6 is compatible with a massive ecosystem of affordable lenses. Here are the 5 best lenses you can buy for your Canon T6 to take your photography to the next level.

1. The Best First Upgrade: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (“Nifty Fifty”) If you only ever buy one extra lens, make it this one. There’s a reason every photographer recommends it. The “f/1.8” aperture is a huge leap from your kit lens. It lets in vastly more light, allowing you to shoot in darker conditions without flash. More importantly, it’s what allows you to create that beautiful, professional-looking “bokeh” or blurry background for your portraits. It’s sharp, incredibly affordable, and will fundamentally change your photography.

2. The Best Wide-Angle Lens: Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Ever feel like you can’t fit everything into the frame? This lens is the answer. It’s an ultra-wide-angle zoom, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes, dramatic architectural shots, and creative interior photos. The Image Stabilization (IS) helps you get sharp photos even in lower light. For vloggers or real estate photographers on a budget, this lens is a must-have.

3. The Best All-in-One “Walkaround” Lens: Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Do you hate changing lenses? This “superzoom” lens from Sigma could be your perfect travel companion. It covers a massive focal range, from wide-angle (18mm) to super-telephoto (300mm). You can shoot a wide landscape one moment and zoom in on a distant bird the next, all without ever taking the lens off your camera. While it’s not as sharp as a prime lens, its incredible versatility is unmatched.

4. The Best Telephoto Zoom for Sports/Wildlife: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM The 18-55mm kit lens is great for general shots, but it can’t get you close to the action. This telephoto lens is the perfect, affordable partner to your kit lens. It gives you the zoom range you need to photograph your kids’ sports games, animals at the zoo, or distant details in the landscape. The STM motor provides quiet and smooth autofocus, and the Image Stabilization is essential for getting sharp shots at long zoom lengths.

5. The Best for Close-Ups (Macro): Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM Want to explore the tiny world of flowers, insects, and textures? A dedicated macro lens is the tool you need. This unique lens not only lets you get incredibly close to your subjects but also features a built-in LED ring light around the front element. This provides even, shadow-free light for your macro shots, making it an innovative and easy-to-use tool for close-up photography.

By moving beyond the kit lens, you unlock the true potential of your Canon T6. Each of these lenses opens up a new world of creative possibilities, allowing you to capture images you simply couldn’t before.