What Lenses Fit Canon XSi?

[ColinG]

I've just bought a Canon XSi for a safari trip I'm planning to do next year. I'm not familiar with DSLR's at all, but I did know that I didnt need a camera with video and a high amount of MP's.

Anyway, after some research I decided that the XSi would be a good camera to start off with as a beginner. I figured that if I can run CNC Machinery then I could learn this camera.

My question is this: Common sense tells me that not all of Canon's lens' will fit all of Canon's cameras. Is there something specific I should be looking for in the description of a Canon lens that will fit my XSi? I will need something in the 100-400mm range for long shots...will this lens fit it, Canon EF 100 mm - 400 mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM?

Thanks in advance.

[morech]

Welcome to the world of DSLR! No question is a silly question when you don't know the answer =). This is a very valid question and one that all of use had to research when learning.

Typically there are three different popular camera mounts in present time... one for canon, one for nikon, and one for olympus/sony. With that said you can not put nikon, olympus, or sony mounted lenses on your canon camera.

When you are looking for a lens you are going to want to look for the "EF" or "EF-S" in the description. Both of these will fit your camera. Many times there are descriptions that will tell you if the lens will fit a XTi..... look for that or 450D when looking at models the lens is compatible with.

Obviously the Canon brand EF or EF-S lenses are compatible with your camera. However, third-party lenses compatible with with your camera are by Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and Carl Zeiss. Keep in mind that the use of these lenses is not supported by Canon as compatibility issues may be present.

Good luck!

[morech]

and yes... your Canon EF 100 mm - 400 mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM will be compatable with your camera.

[ColinG]

Cheers morech. Much appreciated!

A few more questions to come soonish!

[crazeazn]

Sean is close but not completely. You can technically put current/old nikon glass, old olympus glass on a canon with an adapter but you would not have auto focus abilities. Keep in mind that if you choose to upgrade your camera to a full frame camera (i.e. 5D2 or 1ds3) that EF-S lenses will not work on them. The 100-400L would work fine though because its EF.

[ColinG]

Thanks crazeazn...I'd prefer to stay with the same manufacturer as far as lenses/cameras go.

Looks like I'm now commited to Canon. Will definitely be getting another camera for my trip to Africa next year, mainly because I dont want to be changing lens. I think that 3 cameras with their own lens will suffice.

After I learn this XSi (probably looked on as a throw-away camera to most on here), I will weigh the pros and cons and go for an all around better camera.

Will be pestering you lot for advice on that call

[morech]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

Sean is close but not completely. You can technically put current/old nikon glass, old olympus glass on a canon with an adapter but you would not have auto focus abilities. Keep in mind that if you choose to upgrade your camera to a full frame camera (i.e. 5D2 or 1ds3) that EF-S lenses will not work on them. The 100-400L would work fine though because its EF.

John is correct here. I did not note that you could use an adapter to use lenses of non-canon mounts. As he said, if you do this you will be manual focus only.

I know you said it looks like you will be sticking with Canon camera bodies. What John is saying is that your current camera is not a full frame camera. It has a crop factor of 1.6. This mean that if you have a 55mm lens, it will look like 55mm on a full frame camera and will look like 88mm on your camera (despite it saying 55). The 100-400 lens will look like 160-640mm. Not all Canon cameras are crop sensored. Some are full frame (as John said the Canon 5D Mark II and the Canon 1Ds3 are full frame). So if you infact do purchase a EF-S lens it will not work on these full frame cameras when/if you choose to upgrade to a new body. If you plan on purchasing EF-S lenses it would be wise to stick to crop-sensor cameras. One of the higherish end cameras that is still a crop sensor is the Canon 7D. For your reference/research needs the crop sensor on your camera is technically known as a APS-C sensor. Now do not think that a Full-frame is a must have over a crop sensor camera or visa versa. Each has its advantages and is a matter of personal preference.

Reference Materials for you to read for additional information on crop sensors:

Full Frame Sensor vs Crop Sensor – Which is Right For You?
Digital Camera Sensor Sizes: How it Influences Your Photography