03-29-2023 09:27 AM - last edited on 03-29-2023 10:36 AM by Danny
Hello All-
I am a new user and a totally green, newbie photographer. I was gifted a used EOS Rebel T5i. I would like to purchase a quality, perhaps "L" series, lens while I navigate around the exciting digital photography waters. What is a highly versatile lens that would work on my camera that would also be adaptable to a future mirrorless camera.
Thank you for any assistance/advice you can offer!
Solved! Go to Solution.
03-30-2023 10:35 AM
This was the best advice, "...the ubiquitous 18 - 55 it should be fine for you to get your feet wet"
Along with this, "... you'd be better off saving up for RF lenses as well as an R-series camera."
As to what to do right now an investment in Photoshop and /or Lightroom is a great idea. Even the free form Canon DPP4 is worthwhile to learn. Post editing your shots is where it is at.
03-29-2023 10:27 AM
What lens do you have now? Even if it is the ubiquitous 18 - 55 it should be fine for you to get your feet wet,
03-29-2023 01:37 PM
Yes it is the original 18-55 and works fine. I just curious what options I had and how someone else with experience might grow their gear.
-Thank you
03-29-2023 02:26 PM - edited 03-29-2023 02:27 PM
Lens choice depends very much on what you want to photograph. You haven't told us, so we're only able to give some general answers.
But first, any Canon EF or EF-S lens that fits your T5i will be adaptable later for use on Canon R-series (newer) or M-series (older) mirrorless cameras. That said, it is better to use the native lenses for each of those systems, as they are often newer, improved designs and can be smaller and lighter than adapted DSLR lenses. There aren't a lot of EF-M lenses for the older M-series mirrorless. More likely you would be looking at the larger and growing selection of RF and/or RF-S lenses for the newer R-series cameras. This because the R-system is gradually replacing the previous systems (the M-series and their lenses, and the Canon DSLRs and their EF/EF-S lenses will be phased out over time). Note that RF and EF-M lenses are NOT interchangeable. Neither can be adapted for use on the other's system cameras.
Lenses choice depends upon the purpose...
So decide what you want to shoot, then choose the lens for it (or ask around for recommendations). Or if you just aren't sure what you'll be doing, get a generalist type of lens, go shoot a lot and find your limitations.... then look for lenses (or other accessories) that will help you overcome those limitations.
***********
Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7DII (x2), 7D(x2), EOS M5, some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
FLICKR
03-29-2023 03:27 PM
Since you have the 18-55, adding the EF-S 55-250mm zoom (STM version) will give you a wide range of focal lengths. Available used for under $200.
03-29-2023 10:35 AM - edited 03-29-2023 10:36 AM
Greetings,
Fact check. The T5i is a 10yr old body now. Its EOL as far as support and repair goes. Sounds like its had a great life. Now its ready for its next adventure.
Any of Canon's EF, EF-S lenses will work on this body, including "L" or non "L" series glass. EF and EF-S lenses can be adapted to EOS R (mirrorless) body's. Most will function extremely well and provide wonderful photos.
EOS R body's use a different lens mount, RF. RF lenses are a completely different architecture. They offer additional features, and faster focus than their EF counterparts. Unfortunately, they cannot be adapted to a EF mount camera.
In order for us to make good suggestions, we need to know what kind of photography you do most. What do you plan to take the most pictures of? Also, a budget.
Did the camera come with any lenses? You're also going to need at least 2 batteries, some memory cards and a card reader. These items are not expensive, but are necessary.
~Rick
Bay Area - CA
~R5 C (1.0.7.1) ~RF Trinity, ~RF 100 Macro, ~RF 100~400, ~RF 100~500, ~RF 200-800 +RF 1.4x TC, BG-R10, 430EX III-RT ~DxO PhotoLab Elite ~DaVinci Resolve Studio ~ImageClass MF644Cdw/MF656Cdw ~Pixel 8 ~CarePaks Are Worth It
03-29-2023 01:46 PM
Most of my interest lie in still photography (landscape, street, portraits, etc..)with occasional dabbling in action. As far as budgets ... approximately $1000, but I was hoping to invest it in a lens that could provide visible results now and options (adaptability) for a future as yet unknown mirrorless purchase.
Yes ... the camera was given to me with the standard 18-55 kit lens. Also I have the batteries and memory card but thank you for the reminder
03-29-2023 10:37 AM
Agree with kvbarkley. Use the lens you currently have with the T5i. If it didn't come with a lens, I would go with either the EF-S 18-55mm or more versatile EF-S 18-135mm.
While investing in lenses is a good thing to do, since mirrorless is the future, you'd be better off saving up for RF lenses as well as an R-series camera.
03-29-2023 01:54 PM
Thank you. I just wanted to see how the experienced photographers might grow their equipment from my situation.
I appreciate your time!
03-29-2023 02:27 PM
It grows as you determine your needs. Your next lens might be a wide angle for landscapes or a macro for food/flowers/coins/bugs. From there you might want a telephoto to get closeups of things far away. Let your craft guide your purchases.
12/05/2024: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R5 Mark II - Version 1.0.2
09/26/2024: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R6 Mark II - Version 1.5.0
07/01/2024: New firmware updates are available.
04/16/2024: New firmware updates are available.
RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF600mm F4 L IS USM - Version 1.0.6
RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM - Version 1.0.4
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM - Version 1.0.4
Canon U.S.A Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.