20/02/2026 3:26 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
4
Posts
5
Users
0
Reactions
53
Views
0
Hey everyone! I finally bit the bullet and upgraded to the Canon EOS R5 after years of shooting with my trusty 5D Mark IV. I’m absolutely blown away by the autofocus and that 45-megapixel sensor, but I’ve quickly realized that moving to the mirrorless ecosystem is going to require a bit more than just a new camera body. I’m primarily a hybrid shooter—doing a mix of wedding photography and some 4K/8K video work for clients—so I want to make sure I’m fully prepared before my next big gig.
The first thing that caught me off guard was the storage situation. I knew it had two slots, but looking at the prices for CFexpress Type B cards compared to my old SD cards is a bit of a reality check! Is it really worth it to go for the highest speeds, or can I get away with something more mid-range if I’m not shooting 8K RAW all the time? Also, the battery life seems to be a different beast. I have a few old LP-E6N batteries from my DSLR days, but I’ve heard the newer LP-E6NH is necessary to get the full high-speed burst rates. Should I just stock up on those, or are there third-party options that actually work without those annoying 'unsupported' pop-ups appearing on the screen?
I’m also debating on the EF to RF control ring adapter. I have a solid collection of L-series glass that I’m not ready to sell yet, but I’m wondering if the control ring version is actually useful in practice or if the basic one is fine for most situations. I’ve spent a huge chunk of my budget on the body itself, so I’m trying to be strategic about what I pick up next. I don't want to buy gear just for the sake of it, but I also don't want to be caught in the field missing something vital.
For those of you who have been using the R5 for a while, what would you say are the absolute 'must-haves' that made your life easier or your workflow better? Are there any specific screen protectors or cages you’d recommend to keep this investment safe?
4 Answers
11
20/02/2026 3:40 pm
> I’m primarily a hybrid shooter—doing a mix of wedding photography and some 4K/8K video work for clients... Stumbled upon this! I'm still learning these specs, but before I give advice, can you clarify if you're shooting 8K RAW or just 4K? It basically changes the bitrates and write speeds you gotta hit. I bought the Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress B SE 512GB but honestly, I'm still figuring out if it was overkill for weddings. It realy depends on your delivery needs... gl!
5
20/02/2026 3:27 pm
Honestly, the costs are highkey annoying. I tried cheap batteries but they gave me errors, so just get the Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery. For storage, I use the ProGrade Digital 128GB CFexpress Type B Gold Card and it handles 4K great. * Basic Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is fine, control ring is overpriced imo
* Grab a ULBTER R5 Screen Protector 3-Pack too It's basically a money pit... gl!
1
28/02/2026 2:35 am
Re: "> I’m primarily a hybrid shooter—doing a mix..." Honestly, the move from the 5D IV was a bit of a shock to my system. I really thought I could skate by with my old gear but the R5 is just so demanding. Unfortunately, the battery life is a massive step down from what we were used to with DSLRs. I had issues with my old LP-E6N batteries not even letting me hit the top burst speeds, which was super frustrating during a fast ceremony. Not as good as expected for a pro body tbh. I wasted a lot of time and money trying to be strategic with storage too. I tried a cheaper card but it overheated and gave me write errors during a 4K 120p test run. I eventually just got the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series 128GB and it has been rock solid, though it definitely hurt my bank account. For the adapter, I actually skipped the control ring one and went for the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Drop-In Variable ND Filter. If you're doing video for clients, it is way more useful than just having an extra dial. It allows me to keep my shutter speed where it needs to be without swapping glass filters constantly. Also, definitely look at the SmallRig Black Mamba Camera Cage for EOS R5. I had some close calls during a reception and that cage basically saved the body from a nasty dent. It makes it way easier to grip when you have a bunch of video accessories bolted onto it too.
1
25/03/2026 4:40 pm
I have been using the R5 for about a year now for professional work. I have found that prioritizing reliability over saving a few dollars has kept my workflow very smooth. Since you are doing weddings, you really do not want to risk a card failure or a battery error in the middle of a ceremony. I am very satisfied with this setup:
- Delkin Devices 512GB Black CFexpress Type B Memory Card: These are incredibly rugged and have high sustained write speeds for 8K or high-res bursts. They even have a replacement guarantee if they fail.
- Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Control Ring: I map the ring to my ISO settings. It makes the transition from the 5D Mark IV feel much more natural and gives you back that extra physical control.
- SmallRig EOS R5 Camera Cage 2982: This is the standard full cage that provides excellent protection and mounting points for video gear without being too bulky.
- ISDT NP2 Air Dual Channel Digital Battery Charger: This works well for charging two batteries at once via USB-C, which is a lifesaver on long wedding days. Regarding the batteries, stick with the Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery. I have tried third-party ones, but they often wont allow for the maximum frame rate, which basically defeats the purpose of the R5 autofocus system anyway.
