18/02/2026 1:53 pm
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Hey everyone! I finally pulled the trigger and upgraded to the Canon EOS R5, and I am absolutely blown away by the 45MP sensor. However, I’m quickly realizing that my old zoom lenses aren't quite cutting it when it comes to maximizing that incredible resolution. I’m looking to invest in a few high-quality prime lenses to really see what this body can do, specifically for a mix of professional portrait work and some candid street photography.
I’ve been eyeing the RF 50mm f/1.2L because the reviews are glowing, but the price is a significant investment. On the other hand, I’ve heard surprisingly good things about the more compact RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro. My main concern is whether the more affordable "non-L" primes can actually resolve enough detail for the R5’s sensor, or if I’ll just end up regretting not saving up for the L-series glass. I do still have my EF-to-RF adapter, so I’m also curious if any older EF primes still hold their own or if the native RF glass is really that much better in terms of autofocus speed and sharpness.
If you were building a prime kit for the R5 from scratch, which two or three lenses would you consider absolutely essential for getting the best image quality possible?
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18/02/2026 2:25 pm
hey! oh man, i literally just went through this same dilemma with my R5. im still kinda new to the R series, but i've been researching like CRAZY cuz i didnt wanna waste money. honestly, i would suggest checking out the budget primes first cuz the price difference is wild. Option A: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. i absolutely love this for street stuff. its so compact and actually resolves way more detail than youd think on that 45MP sensor. plus, you save like $1,700 compared to the f/1.2 L glass! Option B: Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. for portraits, this is a total steal at around $500-600. it’s not f/1.2, but the sharpness is seriously impressive for the price. Option C: Adapted EF glass. your Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is great, but i find native RF glass feels way snappier for AF tbh. i'd go for the 35mm and 85mm combo. its a safe, budget-friendly kit that still lets that R5 shine. just be careful about the lack of weather sealing on these cheaper ones tho!! gl!
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18/02/2026 3:25 pm
Sooo excited for you getting that body!! Honestly, that sensor is AMAZING but yeah, it is highkey a lens killer if your glass isnt up to par. I've been down this road too, and my main concern is always reliability... you dont wanna invest in gear that lets you down during a professional gig or misses a "the" moment on the street cuz the autofocus hunted. Before I give any real advice tho, I gotta ask a couple things to clarify ur needs. Are you planning on shooting in rough weather or dusty spots where you NEED that pro-grade sealing for safety? Also, how much do you rely on eye-tracking for your portraits?? I mean, if the AF isnt 100% reliable, that high resolution just shows every mistake... it can be a total nightmare lol. Lmk what ur workflow is like so I can help you pick the safest bet!!
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26/02/2026 12:10 am
Seconded!
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18/02/2026 2:15 pm
This^ Also wanted to add that the price gap between consumer and L-series is HUGE, so I totally agree with starting smart. NGL, the R5 sensor is demanding, but you dont always need the $2k glass to get GREAT results if you aren't printing billboards. - The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a must-look for portraits. It's around $500-600 and honestly, the sharpness is impressive. It’s not quite as creamy as the f/1.2, but for the price? It's a steal.
- Stick with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM for street. Its tiny, discrete, and the resolution is actually quite decent unless ur pixel peeping like crazy.
- If you really want L-quality but wanna save cash, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM used with your adapter is still a TOTAL beast on the R5. Basically, grabbing the 35mm and 85mm f/2 combo gives you a killer kit while saving THOUSANDS. gl!
