I've got a 8 bulb t5 - 4 footer..great for young plants, you don't want to flower with them, get led light.
I've found great results with minimal effort with t5, without changing spectrum or anything. I got about .75gpw last grow without environmental control off 108 watts (I have a 4 bulb 4ft, and 2 bulbs were blown out last grow, and the bulbs are/were at the dimmest point in their life.)
People have thought t5s are no good for flower, but recently warehouses have even started using them. They have phenomenal trichrome and terpene development, and degradation of trichs seems slower IMO.
If its one or the other, id definitely go t5. They are a staple in many growers arsenals. They are beyond great clone, seedling, early vegger lights, and actually very good for flowering sog/multi plant scrogs/mainlines etc.
From what I imagine the perspective of an amatuer/someone not looking to leap before they look is, it would give a decent harvest with a grow to get to know how the plants like the light at certain times as well as giving me experience with the light. Then, if I like the results I can replace the bulbs and start over, or I can use it as a mother or veg or clone room light, or add it as side lighting in an over the top next grow, etc.
I'm sure there are leds that are as easy and reliable and effective, but to me led is still an infant untested tech that seems to barely be getting to the point of practicality as of the last 5 years.