13/02/2026 8:06 pm
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Hey everyone! I finally did it—after months of debating, I pulled the trigger and upgraded to the Canon EOS R5. I’m coming from an older 5D Mark IV, so I’m super stoked about the jump to mirrorless, that insane autofocus, and the 45MP sensor. However, now that the camera is sitting on my desk, I’m quickly realizing that my old DSLR kit doesn't quite cover everything this beast needs to perform at its best.
Since I’ve already spent a significant chunk of my savings on the body alone, I want to be strategic about what I buy next. I’m not looking to buy every gadget in the catalog, but I want to know what the genuine "must-haves" are for a smooth transition.
For starters, I’m a bit overwhelmed by the memory card situation. I know it has a CFexpress Type B slot and a UHS-II SD slot. Are the CFexpress cards absolutely necessary if I’m mostly doing high-res landscape stills and the occasional 4K video, or can I get away with just fast SD cards for a while? Those CFexpress cards are a bit of a splurge!
Also, I’m curious about the battery life. I have a stack of old LP-E6N batteries from my previous setup, but I’ve heard the new LP-E6NH is required to unlock the maximum burst rates and better power management. Is the performance difference really that noticeable in real-world shooting? I’m also looking into the EF-to-RF adapter since I have some heavy L-series glass I’m not ready to part with yet. Should I just get the basic one, or is the version with the control ring a game-changer?
I’d love to hear from fellow R5 owners who have been using the system for a while. What were the first 3 or 4 things you bought that you now consider essential? Whether it’s a specific screen protector, a battery grip, or even a particular camera strap that handles the weight well, I’m all ears. I'm trying to keep this initial accessory budget around $500-$600 if possible.
What are your top recommendations for essential accessories to get the most out of the R5 right out of the box?
7 Answers
11
13/02/2026 8:30 pm
> Are the CFexpress cards absolutely necessary... or can I get away with just fast SD cards for a while? Honestly, I was so *worried* about overspending on unnecessary gear when I started. For landscapes, a solid SD like the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II V90 is totally fine and reliable. If you eventually need CFexpress speed, the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Silver Series 128GB is a great mid-range compromise. Lesson learned: you dont need the priciest media to get the job done safely without blowing your budget!
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13/02/2026 8:06 pm
I've shot Canon for years but this jump was confusing lol. 1. Battery: I unfortunately had issues with old batteries not giving full burst speeds. Get the Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery.
2. Cards: SD works for stills, but ProGrade Digital 128GB CFexpress Type B Gold is way faster for the buffer.
3. Adapter: Just get the basic Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R... the control ring version wasn't as good as expected. gl!
4
13/02/2026 8:50 pm
Respectfully, I’d consider another approach before you blow your whole $600 budget on just one or two items. I've shot for over a decade but honestly, jumping to the R5 made me feel like a total newbie again! I've had a different experience with the "must-haves" and found some budget-friendly ways to save: 1. **Memory Cards:** Everyone is obsessed with CFexpress, but if you're mostly doing landscapes, it’s kinda overkill. I’d suggest the Kingston Canvas React Plus 128GB SDXC UHS-II V90 instead. It’s super fast for a fraction of the price of those gold cards mentioned earlier.
2. **The Adapter:** Skip the brand-name one. I use the Meike MK-EFTR-B Auto-Focus Mount Adapter with Control Ring. It's way cheaper than the official Canon gear and works perfectly with my old L glass. Plus, having that extra dial is actually a game-changer.
3. **Batteries:** Be careful with the old ones, but you don't HAVE to buy the expensive Canon ones. Try the SmallRig LP-E6NH USB-C Rechargeable Camera Battery 2400mAh. You can charge it with a phone cable which is literally a lifesaver. So yeah, start slow... you dont need the most expensive kit to get those 45MP bangers! peace 👍
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13/02/2026 8:40 pm
So basically, the R5 is a total data hog compared to your old 5D IV. Since you're dealing with massive 45MP files, the throughput is everything. For landscapes, you can probably get away with fast SD cards for a bit, but honestly, CFexpress is a game-changer for buffer clearing. Just look at brands like SanDisk or Lexar—you really cant go wrong with their high-end stuff. On the power side, you highkey want the newer NH batteries. The older versions technically fit, but the R5 throttles your burst rate if it doesnt see that extra voltage... it's kinda annoying but totally noticeable in real-world shooting. For the adapter, the one with the control ring is actually a huge upgrade for your workflow. Mapping ISO or exposure comp to that ring makes the transition to mirrorless feel way more natural. Just get the official Canon version and your old glass will feel brand new. Its a beast of a camera, so dont bottleneck it with old tech if you can help it. gl!
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15/03/2026 12:00 pm
Great info, saved!
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13/02/2026 8:40 pm
Bookmarked, thanks!
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17/02/2026 1:09 am
Can confirm
