What are the best p...
 
Notifications
Clear all

What are the best prime lenses for Canon EOS R5?

5 Posts
6 Users
0 Reactions
95 Views
0
Topic starter

I finally treated myself to a Canon EOS R5, and that 45MP sensor is absolutely blowing me away! However, I’m realizing my older zooms aren't quite doing this body justice in terms of sharpness. I’m looking to invest in a couple of high-end primes to really push the resolution. I’m currently debating between the native RF 85mm f/1.2 for portraits or using EF glass via an adapter to save some budget. I also need a sharp 35mm for street shooting. Since the RF lineup is growing fast, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Which prime lenses have you found truly live up to the R5's sensor? Looking for the best balance of sharpness and character!


5 Answers
12

Ok so, I've spent a lot of time looking at the market lately and honestly, the R5 sensor is no joke. I've tried a bunch of setups, and while the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is literally the king of portraits, its also heavy and insanely expensive. If youre looking for that high-end feel without the massive price tag, you might wanna look at the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF. I know others mentioned native glass, but Sigma's Art line actually holds up its resolution even on 45MP sensors and offers a unique character that some people prefer over the clinical perfection of the RF line. For the 35mm street side, its a tough market right now. The native Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is cool for the size, but if you want that L-series bite, the new Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is basically what we've all been waiting for. Its way sharper wide open than the old EF versions tbh and the video features are a nice bonus if you ever do hybrid work. My tip? Dont sleep on the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF either if youre already using the adapter mentioned earlier. From a market perspective, the value of high-end EF glass is dropping right now, so you can get incredible sharpness for half the price of native RF. But yeah, native RF definitely wins on AF speed and that eye-tracking stickiness which is lowkey essential for the R5's potential... just depends if ur willing to pay the premium for that extra 5% of performance. Good luck with the new kit!


3

Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.


2

Jumping in here... ngl that 45MP sensor is a total lens snob. I tried adapting my old glass with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R but unfortunately it just didn't have the same bite as native RF glass. Basically, if you want to see what that sensor can REALLY do, you gotta go native. Quick tips:
1. For portraits, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is king. It's stupidly sharp even at f/1.2 but honestly the weight is insane.
2. For street, skip the budget 35mm. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is what you want for that high-res look, otherwise ur just wasting pixels. I had issues with the smaller primes feeling soft wide open. TL;DR: The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is worth every penny but stay away from the non-L RF primes if sharpness is your main goal cuz they just can't keep up with the R5!!


2

I went through this last year. I was worried about weather sealing and AF data rates when adapting, so I tested some budget native primes instead. 1. Its hard to beat the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for street; I paid about $499. 2. I also snagged the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM for $599. Honestly, the resolution on that 85mm is gonna surprise you for the price! dont sleep on them.


1

yo, congrats on the R5! seriously, that sensor is a beast but it's also lowkey a lens killer... it really shows every tiny flaw in older glass. I've been shooting Canon for like 15 years now and when I made the jump to mirrorless, I had the same dilemma. honestly, the glass matters more than the body at this point. In my experience, here is what actually lives up to that resolution: • First off, if you can swing the budget, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is actually legendary. I mean, i think it's the best lens Canon has ever made. The sharpness is edge-to-edge even wide open. Using an adapter for the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is fine to save money, but it’s sooo much slower to focus and way more prone to purple fringing. For portraits, the native RF glass is a whole different world. • For your 35mm street fix, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is pretty much the king now. It’s super sharp and the focus is nearly instant. If you want something lighter for long walks, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is actually a little sleeper hit. It’s not an 'L' series, but for the price, it punches way above its weight. • Also, ngl, you should really look at the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM. I know you didn't ask for a 50, but it’s basically glued to my R5. It captures so much detail it's kinda scary... literally feels like 3D. Basically, the native RF glass is where the magic happens with that 45MP sensor. EF glass is great, but to really see what ur camera can do? Go native. Good luck!! 📸


Share:
PhotographyPanel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Contact Us | Privacy Policy