Third-party lenses are almost always compatible with Canon cameras.
The massive amount of lenses available to photographers in 2011 yields flexibility and choice, but this can also come with total befuddlement. With the variety of lenses to choose from make sure you do your research to find out which one is best. Fortunately, third-party lenses have changed one consideration - price. These less expensive lenses are compatible with all Canon bodies, including the Canon Rebel XSi.
Canon Camera Mounts
Canon film cameras utilized the FD-mount, which was compatible with any Canon lens on the contemporary market. Today, Canon uses two predominant camera mounting systems -- EF, which is compatible with all Canon EOS cameras, and EF-S, which is only compatible with Canon cameras utilizing the smaller crop sensor, such as the Canon Rebel series, which includes the XSi. This means that a host of lenses are available for all EOS camera bodies, giving the photographer great flexibility in lens choice.
What's the difference between EF and EF-S mounts?
When an EF lens is used on a crop sensor camera, the focal length of the lens is multiplied by 1.6. EF-S lenses on crop sensor cameras are true to their focal length. Because of this, EF-S lenses are designed specifically for crop sensor cameras like the Canon XSi and any camera in the Rebel digital series with appropriate focal lengths for the smaller crop sensor. EF lenses, though they work on both cameras, are truly designed for Canon film single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras and full-frame digital SLRs. EF-S lenses are not compatible with full-frame Canon cameras -- only those with crop sensors.
Third-Party Lenses
Many third-party companies make lenses for Canon cameras, including Tamrom, which offers a full range of lenses that fit the two Canon mounts, EF and EF-S. Sigma and Tamron, both of which are Japanese companies, manufacturer Canon compatible lenses. However, Canon lenses are usually designed to high specs and are more durable than third-party lenses.
Does the Tamron AF 75 to 300 mm Have a Compatible Mount?
Tamrom makes lenses that are compatible with all the mounts used on major camera manufacturers; they make a version of the AF 75 to 300 mm telephoto lens that uses the EF mount, meaning it is compatible with all Canon cameras in the EOS series, including the Canon XSi. However, when used on a crop sensor camera like the XSi, the effective focal length of the lens will be 120 to 480 mm, making it a much longer lens.
Tags: Canon cameras, compatible with, crop sensor, compatible with Canon, with Canon
