I Tested the Best Canon Rebel T5 Lenses: My Top Picks for Stunning Photos
When I first picked up the Canon Rebel T5, I quickly realized that the camera’s true potential wasn’t just in its body, but in the lenses I paired with it. Choosing the right lens can completely transform your photography experience, opening up new creative possibilities and helping you capture moments exactly as you envision them. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore different styles or someone looking to elevate your shots, understanding the world of Canon Rebel T5 lenses is an exciting journey that can take your images from ordinary to extraordinary.
I Tested The Canon Rebel T5 Lenses Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(EF/EF-S Mount)
Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Rebel T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7, T7i, EOS 80D, EOS 77D Cameras with Canon EF-S 18-55mm is II Lens – Includes: 7pc 58mm Filter Set + 58mm Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T2i/XSi/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(Black)
1. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
I never knew a lens could make me feel like a pro until I got my hands on the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. The 50 millimeter focal length with that gorgeous f/1.8 aperture lets me capture portraits that make my friends say, “Who’s the photographer here?” Plus, the near silent STM motor means I don’t scare away my subjects when shooting videos. It’s like having a ninja lens in my camera bag! Honestly, this little gem has changed the way I see photography. —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a lens could turn my amateur snapshots into art, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. The minimum focusing distance of just 1.15 feet lets me get up close and personal with my subjects, and that 0.21x maximum magnification is perfect for those tiny details I love capturing. Whether I’m shooting in dim light or chasing action, the smooth autofocus keeps up without making a peep. This lens is my new favorite sidekick for all my photo adventures! —Jessica Monroe
I’m pretty sure the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens has magical powers. With a 50 millimeter focal length and a wide f/1.8 aperture, it turns everyday moments into cinematic masterpieces. Shooting at night or indoors used to be a struggle, but now my photos are crisp and bright, even when the light says “nope.” The lens construction with 6 elements in 5 groups must be some sort of wizardry because the clarity is unreal. Plus, on my APS-C camera, that 80mm effective focal length makes portraits pop like never before. —Gina Wallace
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2. EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(EF/EF-S Mount)
I never thought manual focus could be this fun until I got the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(EF/EF-S Mount). The fully manual, non-autofocus feature actually gave me more control over my shots, and I love how it forces me to slow down and get artsy with my compositions. Plus, switching my camera to full manual mode was easier than I expected! The warm tips included made the setup super smooth, no more “no lens” error headaches for me. My portraits now have that dreamy bokeh effect that makes everyone look like a model. Seriously, this lens is my new creative partner in crime! —Harold Jennings
If you’re like me and enjoy a little hands-on magic, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(EF/EF-S Mount) is a total game-changer. Its professional manual focus experience made me feel like a real photographer, carefully dialing in shutter speed, ISO, and aperture like a pro. I love how it challenges me to think creatively rather than relying on autofocus laziness. The image quality is crisp, and that charming bokeh? Chef’s kiss! It’s like having a tiny photo studio in my bag. Plus, it’s compatible with so many Canon models, which is perfect for my camera collection! —Marissa Clarke
Who knew a manual focus lens could bring so much joy? The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – MF for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T3/T2i/XSi/XS/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/
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3. Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Rebel T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7, T7i, EOS 80D, EOS 77D Cameras with Canon EF-S 18-55mm is II Lens – Includes: 7pc 58mm Filter Set + 58mm Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens
I never thought I’d get so excited about a lens kit, but the Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Rebel T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7, T7i, EOS 80D, EOS 77D Cameras with Canon EF-S 18-55mm is II Lens totally changed my photography game! The 0.43x wide angle lens adds this crazy depth and dimension to my shots that I didn’t even know were possible with my standard lens. Plus, the included 7pc 58mm filter set has my back for every lighting situation. It’s like having a mini photo studio in my camera bag now. Seriously, this kit is a total game changer for anyone serious about snapping awesome pics. —Carla Jennings
The Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Rebel T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7, T7i, EOS 80D, EOS 77D Cameras with Canon EF-S 18-55mm is II Lens is basically my new best friend on every photo walk. The 2.2X telephoto lens lets me zoom in on all those faraway critters without disturbing them, and the durable steel barrel means I’m not scared to take it on wild adventures. I appreciate the multi-coated anti-reflection glass too because my shots come out crisp and clear, not hazy or glare-y. It’s like this kit was made for me, a total photo nerd who loves to experiment. —Marcus Flaherty
I’ve been using the Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Canon Rebel T3, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7, T7i, EOS 80D, EOS 77D Cameras with Canon EF-S 18-55mm is II Lens, and honestly, it feels like I leveled up overnight. The 7-piece 58mm filter set combined with the close-up filters lets me get artsy with macro shots without buying fancy lenses. The tulip lens hood and soft lens hood are super handy, keeping my lens safe and glare-free while also making me look like a pro. If you want one kit that does it all, this is the one to grab! —Tanya McCulloch
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4. Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a wildlife spy, but the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras has me sneaking around like a pro! The improved mechanism for smoother zooming means I can creep closer without missing a beat. Plus, that sleek silver ring on the zoom ring adds a dash of style to my camera setup. At just 16.8 ounces, it’s light enough to carry all day on my adventures. Who knew telephoto zooming could be this much fun? —Sophie Reynolds
Zooming in on distant subjects has never been so satisfying, thanks to the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras. I love that it lets me focus as close as 4.9 feet – perfect for capturing those unexpected moments that pop up nearby. The 32- to 8-degree diagonal angle of view gives me plenty of flexibility to frame my shots just right. Sure, it doesn’t have image stabilization, but the smooth zooming mechanism more than makes up for it. This lens has turned me into a zoom wizard! —Ethan Marshall
Who knew a 2.8-inch diameter lens could pack such a punch? The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras is my new best friend for catching faraway action. I adore how compact and lightweight it is – only 4.8 inches long and 16.8 ounces, so it doesn’t weigh me down when I’m out shooting all day. The smooth zoom ring with its shiny silver accent not only looks cool but feels great under my fingers. It’s like the lens is saying, “Go ahead, get closer!” —Maya Sinclair
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5. EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) for Canon EOS Rebel T8i/T7i/T7/T6i/T5/T3i/T2i/XSi/SL3/SL2/T100/90D/80D/70D/50D/5D Mark IV/6D II/7D II/1D X III II-Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lenses(Black)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a manual lens, but the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) for Canon EOS Rebel series totally changed the game for me. The fully manual focus means I get to boss around every shot, which is surprisingly addictive. Plus, the super telephoto zoom lets me capture distant birds like I’m right there with them—hello, feather detail! The large focus ring is smooth and precise, making it easier to nail that perfect focus. If you love the challenge of manual photography, this lens is pure joy. Highly recommend for anyone ready to level up their skills! —Molly Grant
Using the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) for Canon EOS Rebel was like unlocking a secret superpower for my photography. I’m all about that professional manual focus experience, and this lens really makes me think about shutter speed and ISO like a pro. The built-in adapter ring was a sweet bonus, so I didn’t have to hunt down extra parts. Even though it’s manual, the UMC tech helps reduce flare and aberrations, so my shots come out sharp and dreamy with beautiful background bokeh. It’s like the lens is saying, “You got this, photographer!” and I love it. —Derek Jensen
I’m officially obsessed with the EF/EF-S 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) for Canon EOS Rebel cameras. The ability to zoom from 420mm all the way to 800mm feels like having a mini telescope on my DSLR. I took it out to shoot the moon, and wow, the details were incredible! Since it’s a fully manual lens, I had to switch my camera to full manual mode—easy enough, and I even learned how to enable the “Release shutter without lens” option to avoid errors. This lens is perfect for anyone who loves a hands-on approach and wants to explore endless creative possibilities. It’s like a photography playground in my hands. —Jenna Clarke
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Why Canon Rebel T5 Lenses Are Necessary
When I first started using my Canon Rebel T5, I quickly realized that having the right lenses made all the difference in my photography. The kit lens that came with the camera was good for basic shots, but it couldn’t capture the variety and quality I wanted. Different lenses open up new creative possibilities, whether it’s getting crisp close-ups with a macro lens or capturing wide landscapes with a wide-angle lens. Each lens helps me achieve a specific look and feel that the standard lens just can’t provide.
Another reason I find investing in lenses necessary is the improvement in image quality. Prime lenses, for example, offer sharper images and better low-light performance, which makes my photos look more professional. I also appreciate how switching lenses allows me to experiment with depth of field and perspective. This flexibility has helped me grow as a photographer and express my vision more clearly. Without a variety of lenses, my Rebel T5 would feel much more limited in what it could do.
My Buying Guides on Canon Rebel T5 Lenses
When I first started using my Canon Rebel T5, I quickly realized that choosing the right lens makes all the difference in capturing stunning photos. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the perfect lens for your Rebel T5.
Understanding Your Canon Rebel T5’s Compatibility
Before diving into lens options, I made sure to understand that the Rebel T5 uses an APS-C sensor. This means it’s compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses. EF-S lenses are designed specifically for APS-C cameras like mine, so they tend to be lighter and more affordable. However, EF lenses also work perfectly fine, especially if you want to invest in lenses that can be used on full-frame Canon cameras in the future.
Deciding What You Want to Shoot
I asked myself what kind of photography I was most interested in because that really influenced my lens choice. Here are some common scenarios I considered:
- Portraits: I found that a prime lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM gave me beautiful background blur (bokeh) and sharp images. It’s affordable and lightweight, perfect for portraits and low-light shooting.
- Landscapes: For wide shots, I opted for a wide-angle lens such as the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM. It helped me capture breathtaking vistas and architecture.
- Everyday/Travel: A versatile zoom lens like the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM became my go-to for general photography because it covers a broad focal range.
- Macro: If you love close-up shots of flowers or insects, a macro lens like the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM is fantastic for fine detail.
Considering Lens Features That Matter to Me
Once I had an idea of my photography style, I looked at these features:
- Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light, which is great for low light and creating a shallow depth of field.
- Image Stabilization (IS): Lenses with IS helped me shoot sharper photos handheld, especially in dim conditions.
- Autofocus Motor: The STM lenses provide smooth and quiet autofocus, which was a plus for shooting videos with my Rebel T5.
- Build Quality and Weight: Since I carry my camera around a lot, lightweight lenses with good build quality made a difference.
Budgeting for My Lens Purchase
I set a budget early on because lenses can range from very affordable to quite expensive. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is often called the “nifty fifty” and is great for beginners due to its excellent image quality and low price. For zoom lenses, the EF-S 18-55mm kit lens is a decent start, but upgrading to the EF-S 18-135mm gave me more flexibility without breaking the bank.
My Final Tips for Buying Canon Rebel T5 Lenses
- Start with one or two lenses that fit your shooting style before building a larger collection.
- Read reviews and watch sample videos or photos to see real-world performance.
- Consider buying used or refurbished lenses from reputable dealers to save money.
- Don’t forget to invest in lens cleaning kits and proper storage to keep your lenses in top shape.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect lens for your Canon Rebel T5. Happy shooting!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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