When deciding on which lens to use with your Canon T5i, it is best to consider the purposes for which you will use your camera. Once you determine the usage needs, then you can choose lenses that will support those needs.
Hello, fellow photography enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle and I am a professional photographer and videographer. Since 2009 I have been providing professional photography services to customers across the United States and during the majority of this time, the Canon brand has been my go-to camera.
In this article, I will go over some of the things that you should look for in a good lens and share with you my list of the best lenses for the Canon Rebel T5i.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Choose a lens that offers a smooth, quiet autofocus option. This feature helps greatly when shooting important functions where efficiency and discreteness are important.
- Pay close attention to the maximum aperture setting for the lens you choose for your T5i. Larger aperture settings allow you to capture brighter images in low-light conditions without using a flash.
- Look for lenses that have a built-in image stabilization function to reduce camera shake when shooting without the use of a tripod.
Since the T5i has an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, it can support either the EF or EF-S mount.
Can the Canon T5i shoot in the 4K format?
No, unfortunately, the T5i shoots video in the standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), or full high definition (FHD) formats only.
What lenses work with the Canon T5i?
The T5i comes with the EF-S lens mount, therefore it can be used with any EF-S or EF mount system.
What to Look for in The Best Lens for Canon Rebel T5i
- Focus Options: One of the first things you should look for in the best lens for Canon Rebel T5i is the available focus options. Ideally, you want a lens with both autofocus and manual focus. Unless you are an experienced professional photographer, I’d suggest that you use lenses that have the autofocus option.
- Compatibility: It is important to ensure that the lens you choose is compatible with your Canon Rebel T5i. Different cameras have different mounting specifications, therefore, you must choose a lens that mounts correctly to your camera. Canon has a new power zoom adapter and finding a lens that can mount to that adapter is a great option for the T5i.
- Maximum Aperture: Another important thing to pay close attention to is the aperture of the lens. The maximum aperture lets you know the maximum amount of light that can pass through the lens. Wide apertures are great for low light conditions and can help to isolate subjects in a scene.
- Image Stabilization: The last thing I suggest that you look for is a built-in image stabilization system. This is a critical component to look for since it helps to minimize camera shake when you are shooting without a tripod. You should look for a lens that aligns well with the T5i body to minimize any camera shake.
The Best Lens for Canon Rebel T5i Reviewed
Here is my list of the best lenses for the Canon Rebel T5i. Enjoy!
1. EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (Best Overall)
- Focal Length: 18-135mm
- Weight: 725.7 g (1.6 pounds)
- Lens: Wide Angle, Normal, Telephoto
- Compatible Mountings: EF-S
- Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
The top choice on my list is the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens. It is an easy-to-use lens that is lightweight and has a nice zoom capability.
This lens gives you good, high-speed performance at an affordable price. Whether you are an inexperienced photographer or a seasoned veteran photographer, this lens is quite useful for you. The maximum aperture is great for this lens and it is a nice, versatile lens that can be used in several scenarios.
The optical image stabilizer in Canon EF-S 18-135mm is outstanding. This feature works exceptionally well at four stops and self-corrects itself even in the zoom range. It helps to produce clear, sharp images with minimal to no blur or distortion.
The only concern I have is that the autofocus feature is noticeably slower than the other lenses on my list, however, the other notable features keep it securely in my number one position.
My Verdict: If you want to quickly put a lens on your T5i and get to shooting, this is the first choice you should make. It’s a versatile lens that can shoot well in many lighting conditions. It keeps you from having to switch out lenses too often. Great choice!
2. EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Best All in One)
- Focal Length: 18-200mm
- Weight: 594.2 grams
- Lens: Standard
- Compatible Mountings: EF-S
- Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
The next choice on my list is the Canon EF-S 18-200mm. This great, all-in-one lens is a nice option for those who want a telephoto range in the lens with the ability to also capture nice standard images. It is a versatile lens that allows you to shoot several types of scenes all on one lens which garners it with the title “Best all in one”.
It is a well-designed wide-angle lens that produces clear, sharp images. Photographers of all experience levels find this lens to be easy to use and its autofocus function is smooth and quiet. This lens is the best all-in-one option because it is compact and lightweight and has enough focal length to capture several types of scenes effectively. When traveling, you could take this one lens and meet most of your needs.
The thing I like most about this choice is its wide magnification range. Its 18-200mm range is effectively a 28.8-320mm focal length on the Canon APS-C cameras. Therefore, you get exceptional range and impressive focal productivity.
The main drawback is at the smallest apertures, f/22-36, the image quality is not as good as I’d like it to be. There are some blurring issues at frame rates across this aperture range. Otherwise, the lens produces good-quality images.
My Verdict: This is a really solid choice for an all-around type lens. You can use this lens in many shooting conditions and still get quality products. It is also an affordable option to use with your T5i.
3. EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM (Best Zoom)
- Focal Length: 24-105mm
- Weight: 795 grams
- Lens: Standard
- Compatible Mountings: EF
- Aperture: f/4
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is another example of a nice, versatile lens that gives you the ability to use it in several scenarios. It offers some nice specs and its zoom capabilities are impressive.
This lens is the best standard zoom in its class. It maintains its sharpness across all ranges and it is well-built to endure outdoor conditions. It’s a little heavier than some of the other lenses but it is still easy to use and carry.
This lens produces exceptional quality across the focal range. As far as zoom lenses go, this is the best choice for your T5i. Even at its farthest zoom range, it maintains exceptional quality.
However, you will notice some barrel distortion in the 24mm range. This can be corrected in post-editing, but it is something to consider when using it at this range.
My Verdict: This is a great choice for a full-frame view. The focal length is great and the image quality and stabilization are both exceptional. This is easily the best zoom lens in its class.
4. EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (Best for Portrait and Events)
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Weight: 159 grams
- Lens: Standard
- Compatible Mountings: EF
- Aperture: f/1.8
The next choice on my list is the “nifty fifty” Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens. This is widely regarded by many professional photographers as a must-have lens in your camera bag. The fixed focal length is a great choice for many types of shoots.
This option is very affordable, costing a little less than its higher-end relative, the EF 50mm f1.4 lens. However, it still produces quality images at its f/1.8 aperture setting. This bright aperture is perhaps the most attractive feature of the lens.
I love its overall versatility. The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM can be used for portraits, sports, or even nighttime or low-light events. It also has an exceptionally quiet autofocus function.
The one concern is that the sharpness is not the highest quality. This is due primarily to the bright aperture setting. The f/1.4 gives you a much sharper image. Additionally, users should be aware of the vignetting and transmission scores for this lens as they are somewhat subpar in comparison to others in this class.
My Verdict: This is a must-have lens in your camera bag. It can effectively be used in several shooting scenarios and its fixed focal length offers several usage options.
5. EF 85mm f/1.8 USM (Best for Beginners)
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Weight: 425 grams
- Lens: Telephoto
- Compatible Mountings: EF
- Aperture: f/1.8
The last lens on my list is another excellent option for the T5i. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens is ideal for lesser experienced photographers. Whether you are shooting portraits, weddings, or other events, this lens fits the bill.
The EF 85mm has exceptional optics for a mid-range telephoto lens. It produces remarkably sharp images and holds colors and contrasts impressively. It is lightweight and is also affordable.
The thing that I like about this lens is its versatile compatibility. Originally designed for Canon’s EF mount 35mm cameras, this lens fits most full-frame cameras perfectly. It can also be adapted to fit Canon’s full-frame mirrorless R camera bodies without a loss in its autofocus speed.
Unfortunately, it lacks sharpness. While it is sharp enough to produce quality images, it is not as sharp as other options on this list. However, as a lesser experienced photographer, you may find this option to be your best choice as you gain more experience.
My Verdict: This is a good lens to keep handy in your bag. Even after all these years of shooting for me, I still keep it in my bag for those times when I just need to pull out a lens, pop it on, and shoot quickly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best lens for your Canon Rebel T5i can be confusing at times. With so many lenses on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to choose the one that best fits your camera and your needs.
However, the good news is that there are some things you can specifically look for to narrow your choice down. Remember to look for lenses that offer sharp quality images. You should also look for the most versatile options as you build your lens inventory.
I hope this article helped you find the best lens for your case.
Which lens have you used with your T5i? Share your experiences in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, happy shooting! Capture the best moment in life!
