yo, I totally feel u on those price tags!! I've been shooting portraits with the R5 for a bit and honestly, the 'budget' glass holds up way better than people think. I was stressed about the RF prices too... but here is what I found: - Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: The dream lens, seriously. It's tack-sharp but highkey weighs a ton.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM: Actually surprisingly sharp on that 45MP sensor. It wont give u that ultra-melty f/1.2 look, but it's a solid value choice tho.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM: Paired with the Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, this is basically the sweet spot for pro results. I'm sooo happy with my adapted EF glass... it works well and I've had no complaints!! If ur worried about budget, just grab the adapter. peace

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, i once had a cheap lens fail during a session... basically a total nightmare. Unfortunately, budget glass lacks the weather sealing and safety the R5 needs. I suggest the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM because: 1. Better seals protect the sensor. 2. Pro mounts are way more reliable. Lesson learned: dont risk your big shoots with flimsy gear. Is the L-series weight realy okay for you?

Sooo, congrats on the R5!! Honestly, that 45MP sensor is a beast and I totally get why ur hesitant about the glass. I've been obsessing over the specs lately since I'm still kinda figuring out my own kit, but here's how I see it based on what I've learned. Basically, it comes down to the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs the more affordable stuff. The 85mm f/1.2 is literally the holy grail—tack-sharp and amazing bokeh—but it's super heavy and pricey. If ur looking at the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, it's actually a decent option and the macro is cool, but it wont give you that same *creamy* pro look on such a high-res body. Honestly, if you want L-series quality without the RF price, I'd look at the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM with an adapter. It's highkey one of the best lenses ever and works perfectly on the R5. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is also amazing for full-body, but it's a totally different vibe than the 135mm compression. Personally, I think the adapted EF 85mm is the smartest move if you're worried about the investment, right? GL!

Respectfully, I'd consider another option before you drop a massive 3k on a single lens. I know the previous replies are pushing the native L-series glass pretty hard, but from a market research perspective, the value proposition of some EF glass is actually way better for the R5 right now. Honestly, you don't always need to go native to get those "pro" results everyone talks about, and the long-term costs of the RF system are still pretty high. I've looked at a lot of comparisons, and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF is basically a cheat code for high-res sensors. If you use a basic adapter, you’re getting like 95% of the performance of the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM at a MUCH lower price point. It’s scary sharp and handles that 45MP sensor like a champ. Plus, because the EF market is so saturated, you can find them used for a steal, meaning you aren't losing much on depreciation compared to buying brand-new RF glass. Another sleeper hit is the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD for Canon EF. It’s got built-in stabilization that plays nice with the R5's IBIS, and the rendering is super clean. I get why people like the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, but for serious portraits, the AF motor on those older Art and SP lenses is often more robust. Don't feel pressured into the L-series just cuz of the hype... there are definitely smarter ways to spend ur money and still get AMAZING shots. What's ur actual budget for this upgrade?? 👍

Just wanted to say thanks for everyone chiming in. Super helpful discussion.