I get the appeal of the high-end glass mentioned above, but honestly, I think we're sometimes overspending on lenses for no reason. Tbh, looking at the MTF charts and some market data, some of the consumer-grade RF glass holds up realy well even on the R5 II's high-res sensor. I mean, the L-series is great for build quality, but the ROI for most of us is getting kinda wierd. Like, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is surprisingly sharp and way more portable than a massive f/1.2 brick. Also, while the 100-500 is the gold standard, the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is basically a fraction of the cost. Definately worth considering since the R5 II has such good high-ISO performance and AI denoise anyway. It's a bit frustrating that Canon's market strategy still limits third-party full frame AF options, but you can save a ton by sticking to the high-quality non-L primes. Just my two cents if you don't want to drop another $5k immediately.

Oh man, you're gonna have so much fun with that R5 II! It's a technical masterpiece. To really maximize that 45MP stacked sensor and the crazy readout speeds, you need glass that wont bottleneck the resolution or the AF system. Im a total nerd for high MTF values and these two are basically peak performance right now. Check these out if you want the best results:

• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
• This thing is legendary for a reason. It is massive, yeah, but it replaces three or four primes because the sharpness is just that good even wide open. The contrast is fantastic.
• Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
• This one is super cool because it has 1.4x magnification instead of the usual 1x. Plus it has that SA control ring so you can DIY your own bokeh look by adjusting the spherical aberration. Seriously, the way the Nano USM motors in these lenses keep up with the eye-tracking on the Mark II is amazing. You basically never miss a shot even at 30fps. If you need any help with the settings for the SA ring let me know, its a bit of a learning curve but so worth it!

For versatility, I'd recommend starting with the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is a versatile zoom lens known for its strong optical performance across the entire frame and zoom range. It's perfect for portraits, events, and general photography.

If you need more reach, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is outstanding. The Canon RF 100-500mm is a superb addition to the rapidly expanding range of RF-mount lenses for Canon's EOS R-series cameras. It combines Canon's legendary L-series build quality with premium optical performance that's up there with the very best Canon zoom lenses. The Canon EOS R5 and R5 Mark II are well suited to sports and wildlife photography, with sophisticated AI subject recognition and a fast burst rate.

For wide-angle work, consider the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is a fantastic choice. It's great for establishing shots, vlogging, or any situation where you need to capture more of the scene. The image stabilization works wonders when shooting handheld, and the image quality is superb throughout the zoom range.

What's your main shooting style? That would help narrow down the perfect first lens!

Honestly, when I first moved to the high-res R bodies, I realized that the glass is just as much about reliability as it is about sharpness. With a 45MP stacked sensor, you're going to notice every micro-jitter and every bit of dust that gets in. I've had shoots ruined because a cheaper lens couldn't handle the data throughput or the weather sealing failed on a damp morning. You need gear that meets a professional duty cycle, you know? For a setup that actually holds up in the field, I prioritize these:
* Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM: It's absolute overkill for some, but the build quality is tank-like. Replacing multiple primes with this reduces lens swaps, which basically saves your sensor from dust exposure in harsh environments.
* Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM: The dual Nano USM motors are the only way to really keep up with the R5 II's AF tracking speeds without the motors hunting or failing over time. Tbh, if you're pushing that body to its limits, stick to the L-series. The internal gaskets and the consistency of the AF motors are industry standards for a reason. It's about peace of mind when you're on a mission, right?

Congrats on the new body! That R5 II is a beast. Honestly though, to give you the best advice, what are you actually planning to shoot? And what kind of budget are we working with? I'm asking because some of the native RF glass is pretty pricey compared to what you'd pay for similar specs on a Sony or Nikon system. If you want to save some cash, have you thought about adapting older glass? You can get a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM for way less than the RF version, and with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R it works basically perfectly. Let us know what your main focus is (portraits, landscapes, etc) and your budget cap, because that changes everything! I dont want to suggest an L-series lens if a cheaper prime like the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM would do the trick for way less money.

Just search for best lenses on Amazon.