25/05/2026 4:00 am
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Cyber Monday Tech Deals
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Where can I find the absolute best deals for the Canon EOS R5 this Cyber Monday? I am totally lost and honestly a little bit terrified of spending this much money on something I don't understand. I have about $3,100 total to spend. That is my entire life savings right now. I live in Chicago and I'm trying to start a small business doing wedding photography for friends because I lost my job recently. My first gig is my cousin's wedding in early 2027 so I need to get the gear now to practice.
I keep seeing different prices everywhere and it's making me sick. Is $2,500 a good price for just the camera part? Someone mentioned I need "glass" too which I assume means the lens? Does the R5 come with that or do I have to buy it separate? I feel so dumb asking this but I really don't know. I went to a local shop and they quoted me way more than what I saw on some random website called "SuperCameraDeals" but that site looks kind of sketchy. I don't want to get scammed.
Is there a specific time on Monday when the prices drop? Like, do I stay up until midnight? I'm worried if I wait too long they will all be gone and I'll be stuck with nothing. I’ve heard people talk about "grey market" items too. What does that even mean? Is it like a used camera? I just need a reliable place that won't steal my money and will actually ship to my apartment in the city. I'm looking at Best Buy too but their site is confusing. Should I look for a bundle? I saw a bundle with a bag and a tripod and some filters but I don't know if those are actually good or just junk they throw in to raise the price. I'm sorry for all the basic questions, I'm just really overwhelmed with all the specs and numbers. Where should I be looking?
4 Answers
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25/05/2026 4:45 am
Look, I just found this thread and I gotta say, spending every last cent of your savings on one camera body is a MISTAKE. Listen, I've been a mechanic for 25 years and I know when someone is about to blow a gasket over a bad investment. Building on the earlier suggestion, the R5 is a fine tool, but if you spend $2,500 on the body alone, youre gonna be broke and unable to actually take a photo. You need room for the glass and some breathing room for when things go sideways. Heres how you actually save money without getting scammed:
- Skip the expensive RF lenses for now. Buy a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. It lets you use older EF lenses that are way cheaper and just as tough.
- Look for a used Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. Its the industry standard for a reason. Built like a brick.
- Get a ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II Gold Card. Its plenty fast for weddings and way cheaper than those CFexpress cards. Listen, if you drop $3,100 and something breaks, youre stuck. Lowkey, you might be better off with a cheaper body so you can afford two of everything because weddings dont stop just because your gear did. Stick to B&H or Adorama... dont even look at those sketchy sites.
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25/05/2026 4:01 am
Saw this and had to chime in. Dont trust sketchy sites.
- Canon EOS R5 Body at B&H: Authorized and safe.
- Canon EOS R5 Refurbished: CHEAPEST and same warranty.
3
25/05/2026 4:25 am
Grey market items are imported from other regions. They are technically new, but Canon USA will not honor the warranty. Stick to Adorama or Amazon (shipped and sold by Amazon only) to avoid scams. Sites like "SuperCameraDeals" use bait-and-switch tactics where they call after the purchase to demand more money for the battery or charger.
- Use CamelCamelCamel to verify Amazon price history and ensure the Cyber Monday discount is legitimate.
- Look for a used Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM on MPB or KEH to stay within your $3,100 budget while getting professional glass.
- Retailer bundles with tripods and filters are usually junk. Those accessories are low-quality and exist only to inflate the perceived value.
- Budget for at least one SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Type B and an extra Canon LP-E6NH Battery. The R5 drains power quickly during weddings.
3
27/05/2026 2:06 am
Building on the earlier suggestion, stay away from those sketchy sites. $2,500 is the standard sale price for the body, but your $3,100 budget is very tight for a wedding setup. You must account for CFexpress cards and extra batteries.
- Check the Canon USA Refurbished store at midnight. Prices often hit $2,199 there.
- Priority lens: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. It is affordable and sharp for portraits.
- Memory: ProGrade Digital 160GB CFexpress Type B Gold. You cannot use cheap SD cards for reliable wedding work on an R5. Skip the bundles. They use low-end accessories to clear inventory. Since you are in Chicago, check PROCAM Chicago. Local authorized dealers often match B&H prices and carry 'open box' units that include a full warranty.