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Essential accessories for the Canon Rebel T3 / EOS1100D digital camera

Updated on April 6, 2013

Top accessories for your Canon Rebel T3/EOS1100D

There are plenty of accessories for the Rebel T3/EOS1100D, which can be overwhelming for a newbie. With so many different accessories to choose from how do you decide? What are the essential accessories and what are those you don't really need? I have been in your shoes and finding out some honest and unbiased information is difficult. Everybody seems to have their own opinions and there is a lot of conflicting advice. Further to the fun and games I had I thought I would write an article listing the best accessories for your Canon Rebel T3/ Canon EOS1100D based on my own experiences.

The Canon Rebel T3 / Canon EOS1100D is the entry level digital SLR camera in Canon's range therefore if you have one of these I am assuming you are new to digital SLR cameras. Congratulations for buying the Canon Rebel T3 / EOS1100D. It is a fantastic digital SLR camera that will teach you all you need to know about digital SLR cameras and get you ready for the time you decide to upgrade. So now on to the information you came to my lens for........ the best Canon Rebel T3/ Canon EOS100D accessories.

The Canon Rebel T3 / Canon EOS1100D is supplied with the 18mm - 55mm kit lens and whilst this is good enough to start with you will soon find yourself wanting a better lens to take your photography to the next level. When buying the first upgrade lens it is advisable to get a general purpose lens as opposed to a specialised lens like a macro, fish eye or tilt and shift lens.

The best upgrade to the kit lens is a zoom lens, such as the Canon EF70mm - 200mm lens. A 70mm - 200mm zoom lens is described as a standard zoom and offers a great range of focal lengths. The best 70mm - 200mm lens is the Canon EF70mm - 200mm f/2.8L IS USM, however this is very expensive. A cheaper and more affordable alternative is the Canon EF70mm - 200mm f/4L IS USM, which is a great lens capable of producing some stunning images.

Canon is not the only manufacturer that makes 70mm - 200mm zoom lenses that will work with your Rebel T3 / EOS1100D. Companies, such as Tamron and Sigma also make some very good 70mm - 200mm zoom lenses that are worth having a look at.

Canon 70mm - 200mm f2.8L IS USM lens

This is the ultimate Canon 70mm - 200mm zoom lens and is the tool of many professional photographers. This lens isn't cheap but you do get what you pay for and if your pockets are deep enough it is well worth buying.

The Canon EF70mm - 200mm f2.8L is the best standard zoom lens. With a wide maximum aperture this lens is a "fast" lens and tack sharp, even when shot wide open. With bright and vivid colours the image quality is superb and second to none. Being an L grade lens this lens is tough, durable and built to last.

Review of canon EF70mm - 200mm L f2.8

The Canon EF70mm - 200mm f2.8 is expensive however it is an awesome lens that is worth the money if you need a maximum aperture of 2.8. For a thorough and in depth review of this lens, along with what it is capable of make sure you check out this video footage, courtesy of Youtube.

Canon 70mm - 200mm f4L IS USM lens

A cheaper and more affordable alternative to the Canon EF70mm - 200mm f2.8L lens is the EF70mm - 200mm f4L IS lens. This lens is still not cheap, however you do get what you pay for and this is one lens that is well worth buying.

The EF70mm - 200mm f4L IS USM is an excellent lens. The colours are bright and vivid and the image quality is superb. This lens is also weather sealed, making it great for all weather conditions, and very tough and durable. This lens has image stabilisation that offers a four stop advantage so the maximum f4 aperture should not cause you too many problems.

Review of the Canon EF70mm - 200mm f4 L IS USM

If you want the most bang for your buck the Canon EF70mm - 200mm f4 L IS USM is the zoom lens to go for. It is super sharp and capable of capturing some awesome images. In most circumstances the f4 aperture is plenty wide enough and the image stabilisation is great to ensure sharp shots. It is a great lens and definitely worth a purchase.

For a review of the Canon EF70mm - 200mm f4 L IS USM lens check out this clip, courtesy of Youtube.

Sigma 70mm - 200mm f2.8 EX DG lens

If you don't want a Canon branded lens then why not try a Sigma one instead. This lens is a great offering from Sigma and one that is well worth buying.

Sigma's 70mm - 200mm f2.8 EX DG is a great lens that is more than capable. The image quality of this lens is simply awesome and the wide maximum aperture is very good for low light conditions. The build quality of this lens is great and, provided you look after the lens, it will last many years.

Review of the Sigma 70mm - 200mm lens

If oyu want a review of Sigma 70mm - 200mm lens check out this clip, courtesy of Youtube. Not only does this clip review the Sigma 70mm - 200mm it alos compares it to the Canon EF70mm - 200mm so you can see first hand what the difference is.

If you are torn between the Canon EF70mm - 200mm and the Sigma 70mm - 200mm make sure you check this out.

Tamron 70mm - 200mm f2.8 Di LD lens for sale on Amazon

If you are not convinced by either a Canon or Sigma branded lens the next manufacturer to look at is Tamron. Tamron is not considered as good as Canon or Sigma, however the Tamron lenses are still good and more than capable of producing some excellent images.

Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras Model (A001S)
Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras Model (A001S)
The Tamron 70mm - 200mm f2.8 Di LD lens is a great offering from Tamron that is capable of producing some stunning images. The wide maximum aperture is great for ensuring tack sharp shots each and every time, even in low light conditions. The build quality of this lens is very good and it will last a long time.
 

Many people argue lens filters are no longer needed since it is possible to create the same effects when processing the photographs on the computer. Whilst it is possible to replicate some effects there are a few you can't and because of this you will still need some lens filters.

In particular the lens filters you should buy include a circular polarising filter (to remove the reflections and increase saturation), neutral density filter (to increase exposure times to add movement) and graduated neutral density filters (to balance the land against bright skies). You can buy screw in filters however a square filter system, such as one made by Lee, Singh Ray or Hitech is a much better purchase.

Lens filters are particular useful when taking images of landscapes and seascapes, especially the polarising filter, If you haven't used a polarising filter you really do need to try one as it will really improve your images.

Another useful filter is the UV filter. This doesn't really enhance image quality but it does offer some lens protection and will stop you scratching the glass element.

Lens filters for sale on Amazon

Whatever lens filter you are after, whether it is a polarising filter, a neutral density filter, a UV filter or a graduated neutral density filter Amazon will have just what you are looking for. For some great deals and bargains check out Amazon's products, or if you can't see what you're after use the search facility.

Hitech filter kit

You can buy screw in type filters and these will be good enough, however for the ultimate you need to buy a square filter system. There aren't many to choose from so selecting the right one should not be too much of a head ache.

Hitech 4 x 6 inch Filter Kit 1 with Sunset 2, Blue 2, Twilight 2 Soft Edge Filters
Hitech 4 x 6 inch Filter Kit 1 with Sunset 2, Blue 2, Twilight 2 Soft Edge Filters
The Hitech square filter kit offers the best value for money out of all the square filter kits. The kit is well made, tough, durable and built to last. The filters don't cause any unwanted colour casts, unlike some other filters, and there is minimal loss of quality. This filter kit is the one to go for.
 

Lens filters on eBay

For some great deals on lens filters check out eBay.

Memory cards are essential to store your photographs on. When you own a Canon EOS100D you don't need a fast memory card nor do you need a professional grade memory card, therefore splashing out a lot of money on these types of memory cards is a total waste.

You can now buy high capacity memory cards up to 32GB, which store thousands of images. Modern day memory cards don't fail and become corrupt as easily as older memory cards however are you prepared to take the risk? Rather than keeping your photographs on one large memory card it makes more sense to have your photographs stored amongst several smaller capacity memory cards, just in case.

The largest memory card I own is 4GB and I will not go any larger. Memory cards are small, light, cheap and you can easily store a few of them in your camera bag, or pocket if need be.

Memory cards for sale on Amazon

When it comes to SD or SDHC memory cards you don't need expensive fast or professional grade memory cards as they are simply a waste of money. Rather than buying one mega capacity memory card buy several smaller ones. For great deals on SD memory cards check out Amazon.

A battery grip is a piece of equipment you plug in to the EOS1100D's battery compartment. The battery grip allows you to have two batteries, which means you can take more images before the EOS1100D needs recharging.

Not only does the battery grip add more power, it also makes using the EOS1100D easier and more comfortable to use when shooting in portrait mode. A battery grip is a great purchase.

Canon T3 / EOS1100D battery grip

A battery grip is an excellent purchase that makes shooting in portrait easier and more comfortable. As such, it is a great purchase.

Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for EOS Rebel XTi & XT Digital Cameras
Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for EOS Rebel XTi & XT Digital Cameras
The Canon battery grip is the best one available. It is not cheap but you do get what you pay for and it is tough, durable and built to last. If you are looking for a battery grip and have the funds available then buy the Canon version.
 

Other battery grips for sale on Amazon

If you can't afford the Canon battery grip there are cheaper alternatives out there. These alternatives do not feel as well made as the Canon product but they work very well and are worth buying. For great deals on battery grips check out the products from Amazon. If you can't see what you're looking for use the search facility.

Canon Rebel T3 / Canon EOS1100d accessories - Tripod

A tripod is a photographer's best friend and you should buy the best one you can afford to. Buying an inferior tripod in order to save a few bucks is false economy and you will only end up buying a good one in the end, costing you even more money.

Camera shake leads to blurry, soft and out of focus photographs so in order to eliminate the effects of camera shake you are going to need to use a tripod when dealing with slow shutter speeds.

Tripods for sale on Amazon

The tripod will become your best friend so make sure you buy the sturdiest one you can afford. There are plenty of different makes of tripod available and most of them are very good and well worth a purchase. For some great deals on tripods check out the products on Amazon. Can't see what you're looking for? No worries.... check out the search facility.

The Canon EOS1100D does have an inbuilt flash gun and whilst this can provide a little bit of extra light to fill in the shadows for back lit shots or during times when the ambient light levels are low, the inbuilt flash is not very powerful.

If you want to get some good flash photography shots with your Canon EOS1100D you are going to need an external flash gun to put in the camera's hot shoe.

There are plenty of different flash guns available made by many different manufacturers. The prices range from a few bucks for a cheap and cheerful flash gun right up to a few hundred for the all singing all dancing top of the range Canon 580EX, so there is something for all budgets.

If you are starting out in flash photography there is no need to spend hundreds of bucks on a top of the range model with full manual modes. As long as the flash gun you buy supports through the lens metering that is all that matters. A good beginner's flash gun is the Canon 270EX or the Metz 24. Both are well made, powerful and reasonably priced. For something a bit more powerful, and something with a few more controls and features the Canon 430EX or the Metz 43 are two that are well worth buying.

Canon 270EX

For a cheap and cheerful flash gun that will get you started out in the world of flash photography the Canon 270EX flash gun is an excellent buy for the beginner. This flash gun supports through the lens metering and is ideal to teach you the basics of flash photography.

Canon 430EX flash gun

Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Bulk Packaging (White Box, New)
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Bulk Packaging (White Box, New)
The Canon 430EX flash gun is the middle of the road flash gun for those photographers looking to take their flash photography to the next level. This flash gun has a few more features and controls than the 270EX, which allows for some creative shots. The 430EX is an excellent flash gun that is well worth buying.
 

Canon 580EX flash gun

USED Canon Speedlite 580EXII
USED Canon Speedlite 580EXII
The Canon 580EX is an all singing, all dancing top of the range flash gun from Canon. This flash gun is loaded full of features and controls, which allows for some very creative shots. The 580EX is the flash gun for professionals and, as such, it doesn't come cheap. However, you do get what you pay for and the 580EX is an awesome purchase.
 

Canon Rebel T3 / eos1100d accessories - Camera strap

All digital SLR cameras don't like being dropped and your Canon EOS100D is no different. The best way to avoid accidental slip ups and dropping your EOS camera is to use a camera strap at all times.

Camera straps are cheap and can end up saving you a lot of money one day, so what are you waiting for? A camera strap is an essential purchase.

Sun sniper strap - the best camera strap

Sunbounce Sun Sniper Strap Pro, Black
Sunbounce Sun Sniper Strap Pro, Black
The sun sniper strap is the best camera strap available. The sniper consists of two parts, the first being a ring that screws in to the bottom of the camera and the strap, which is then attached to the ring. The sniper strap is worn over the shoulder leaving the camera hanging down beside your waist. With the camera at waist level you can grab the camera in a second, meaning you won't miss an opportunity again. The sniper strap is wide, which means it won't cut in to your shoulder, making it very comfortable. Even if you attach a heavy camera and a large tele photo lens the sniper will deal with it and you will barely feel the weight.
 

Camera straps for sale on Amazon

A camera strap is a cheap accessory that could end up saving you a lot of money. There really are no excuses not to have a camera strap attached to your camera at all times. For some great deals on camera straps check out Amazon. Can't see a camera strap that takes your fancy? Not to worry, use the search facility.

Canon Rebel T3 / Canon 1100d accessories - Camera bag

Your Canon EOS1100D camera is an expensive bit of photographic equipment and you need to make sure you look after it. When you are not using your EOS1100D it is best to keep it safe and sound in a padded camera bag.

There are loads of different makes and styles of padded camera bags on the market, all of which serve the same purpose. The particular style and make will come down to personal preference so don't get too hung up when buying a camera bag. As long as it is padded and comfortable that's all that matters.

Camera bags for sale on Amazon

A good quality padded camera bag is an essential purchase to keep your Canon EOS1100D safe and fully protected when not in use. There are loads of different styles to choose from and the decision is entirely up to you. As long as the camera bag is padded that is all that matters. For some great deals on camera bags check out the products on Amazon. Can't see what you're looking for? No worries, use the search facility.

Canon Rebel T3 Review

For a hands on and in depth video review of the Canon Rebel T3 check out this footage, courtesy of Youtube.

Video review of the EOS1100D

For the What Camea video review of the Canon eos 1100d check out this Youtube video.

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If you have any additional accessories you think would benefit the readers of this lens please feel free to note them down here. If you have any thoughts, comments or have anything you would like to get off your chest please feel free to do so here. Thanks.

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