On a Budget? Try the Canon EOS Rebel T5

On a tight budget but want a great camera with lots of features and excellent image quality? Read on to see why a used Canon EOS Rebel T5 might be a great choice for you.

Along with the Canon Rebel T5, I’ll highlight some lenses and other accessories that will interest you, that way, you can create a complete and capable photography kit. I’ll also discuss how you can create your kit while saving money by buying pre-owned gear from a reputable online platform, such as MPB.

Canon EOS Rebel T5 Features

The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is an APS-C format interchangeable lens camera in the DSLR style, meaning it uses a mirror and prism for through-the-lens (TTL) viewing. Canon EOS cameras having the Rebel label are designed for users from entry-level on up to intermediate-level. They are simultaneously easy to use and capable of advanced photography.

Originally introduced in 2014, the EOS Rebel T5 is also known in other regions as the EOS 1200D and EOS Kiss X70. Generally speaking, if a Canon EOS has a Rebel label, then it was meant for the US market. The other model numbers describe the same camera, but they were originally sold in Europe or Asia.

When purchasing brand-new cameras from a retail dealer, the warranty being international or USA will make a difference, but since we’re talking about a used camera here, the manufacturer warranty is a moot issue. This is one of the reasons I like buying used gear from the online platform MPB, which provides a six-month warranty on most items they sell and has a seven-day return/exchange window on those items as well.

Basic specs for this camera are an APS-C format 18MP sensor (1.6X crop factor), 1080p video recording, ISO 100-6400, 9 AF points, shutter speeds 30 secs to 1/4000th, 3” fixed LCD viewscreen, AE bracketing, built-in flash, and multiple metering and exposure modes. These are great features for a beginner photographer and can be utilized to their full potential by an intermediate photographer as well.

Benefits of a Used Canon EOS Rebel T5

The way I see it, there are two huge benefits of buying a used Canon EOS Rebel T5 camera. First, it’s a great camera. And second, you can save a lot of money by getting this super capable camera as used gear.

As to point number one, the image quality this camera delivers is outstanding. The limitations of the camera are seen in the low-light performance as it only reaches ISO 6400 and the video recording, which is limited to 1080p resolution. Canon APS-C format cameras have a 1.6X crop factor, which is slightly different from the 1.5X of most other brands.

Also, another limitation is that it’s not built to the super rugged standards you would find in prosumer-level Canon EOS cameras, though it’s more than capable of being used by intermediate-level photographers.

Which brings up point number two - the price. You can get an EOS Rebel T5 camera body in “Like New” condition for under $200 from MPB as of this writing. That’s less expensive than many nice camera backpacks I’ve reviewed!

Buying your cameras from a reputable dealer like MPB gives you peace of mind, too. Not only do you get a warranty, but MPB also inspects each and every item they sell so you know exactly what you’re looking at in the first place.

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Kit Lens for EOS Rebel T5

Most EOS Rebel T5 cameras were sold as a kit with the 18-55mm zoom lens as standard equipment. Looking at MPB, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM normal range zoom lens can be found in “Like New” or “Excellent” condition for under $70.

As an alternative to this kit lens, since you can mix and match as you please with pre-owned lenses. For example, you might consider the much faster maximum aperture on the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM normal range zoom lens, which I found for $329 in “Excellent” condition.

Other EOS Rebel T5 Lenses

As you look around, there are so many lenses that will mount and work on an EOS Rebel T5. Any EF lens made since 1980 will work. Just keep in mind the 1.6X crop factor and the fact that some older lenses, especially zooms, aren’t as well corrected as more current versions.

Two lenses to consider are the ultra-wide-angle Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM zoom lens and the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens. Both of these are modern lenses, designed for APS-C format digital cameras.

They are sharp and well corrected, though the maximum apertures are on the slow side and there is no weather sealing like some other Canon lenses have. Currently, you can find each of these fine lenses in “Like New” or “Excellent” condition at MPB for under $200 apiece.

Accessories for Canon Rebel T5

Other accessories for the EOS Rebel T5 that will prove to be very useful are auxiliary flashes (called Speedlites by Canon) such as the Speedlite 600EX-RT to supplement the tiny built-in flash, a good tripod, and a protective bag with easy access.

Though you don’t need to get caught up in acquiring tons of gear, these items are very basic, high-usage accessories that you will get a lot of mileage out of over the years.

Final Thoughts: EOS Rebel T5

Should you choose a used Canon EOS Rebel T5 camera with EF-S lenses and other accessories from the online platform MPB? It’s an older camera - seven years since its introduction - but the 18MP APS-C sensor produces extremely high-quality still images.

Video capability and low light performance aren’t at the levels of the newest Canon EOS DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. However, for the price of just a camera and kit lens if purchasing the newest Canon EOS cameras, you could land an entire kit with several lenses, high power flash, and other needed accessories if opting for the high-quality used gear found at MPB, such as the EOS Rebel T5.