Best Accessories for Canon EOS R5

The Canon EOS R5 stands as one of the most capable mirrorless cameras on the market today, offering professional photographers and videographers a newly developed 45MP CMOS sensor, which offers 8K raw video recording, 12 fps continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter, and is the first EOS camera to feature 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization. However, to truly unleash the potential of this technological marvel, investing in the right accessories is crucial. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or content creator, the right gear can enhance your shooting experience and help you capture exceptional images and videos.

Memory Cards: The Foundation of High-Performance Shooting

The Canon EOS R5’s impressive specifications demand equally impressive storage solutions. The Canon R5 has two slots for two different types of memory cards: one slot for a CFexpress Type-B card (Type-A does not work) and another slot for a UHS-II SD card. Your choice of memory cards significantly impacts your camera’s performance, particularly for high-resolution photography and video recording.

For maximum performance, CFexpress Type B cards are the way to go. Opt for cards with high read and write speeds to avoid bottlenecks. Professional photographers working with burst shooting and 8K video recording should consider the ProGrade Digital 256GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold, which has a read/write speed of 1700/1400 MB/s—more than enough for burst shooting and 4K video recording.

Using a UHS-II SD card disables 8K video shooting as the 300 MB/s speed cannot keep up with the footage. However, for lower-resolution still photography and 4K video, SDXC UHS-II cards offer decent performance and compatibility with a wider range of devices. We also suggest that you take the 256 GB option as a baseline since high-resolution images quickly eat up storage space.

Batteries: Powering Your Photography Sessions

Battery performance is crucial for the Canon R5, especially for photographers who engage in extensive shooting sessions. The Canon LP-E6NH battery is the one to consider. It is the latest battery version, more recent than the one in the Canon R (the LP-E6N). This battery is said to be 14% better than the Canon EOS R’s battery.

For action photographers, battery capacity directly affects performance. Remember that the R5 will only get the rated continuous burst speeds if the battery capacity is above 60%. Another advantage of using the new Canon LP-E6NH batteries is it allows you to charge it inside the camera. This means that if you have an external charger and two batteries, you can charge both at the same time.

For budget-conscious photographers, third-party alternatives exist. The new third-party batteries finally work well in the Canon R5. If you just need some backups, the BM batteries are a good option. They have a decoded chip, so they should work like the official batteries. However, Canon included a feature on its mirrorless cameras that detects whether a battery is counterfeit or not. A warning pops up and the camera powers off.

L-Brackets and Camera Support Systems

Professional photographers require versatile mounting solutions that offer both stability and quick orientation changes. The ProMediaGear PLCR56 Arca L-Bracket is a precision-engineered mounting solution specifically designed for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and its predecessor. This robust L-bracket provides secure and versatile attachment points for Arca-Swiss compatible tripod heads and other accessories.

Crafted from high-grade aircraft-grade aluminum, it offers exceptional strength and durability while remaining lightweight. The PLCR56 features ergonomic grips for comfortable handling and incorporates an integrated Arca-Swiss compatible base for seamless transitions between landscape and portrait orientations.

For photographers who prefer alternatives, the Roxie-C from 3 Legged Thing is a dedicated L-bracket that is designed perfectly for the Canon EOS R5. Machined from a single block of aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, Roxie features a stainless steel Stagsden camera screw and sliding locator pin in the base for a secure fit, and a contoured lip is provided to prevent the camera body from twisting.

Camera Cages for Video Production

For content creators and videographers, camera cages provide essential mounting points for additional accessories. The SmallRig Camera Cage for Canon EOS R5 is a lightweight formfitting aluminum cage that provides accessory mounting and protection for your Canon EOS R5 whilst maintaining access to the camera’s controls, battery, and memory card slots. The camera mounts onto the cage using a single 1/4″-20 screw, and there are anti-twist pins and a pad on the base to prevent the camera from twisting or scratching.

Camera Straps: Comfort and Security

Comfortable carrying solutions are essential for long shooting sessions. Among the various camera straps available on the market, Peak Design Straps offer exceptional comfort, and their convenient clip system makes it effortless to switch them between cameras. The Peak Design Slide and Slide Lite can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. The seatbelt-style nylon webbing has a smooth side that glides over clothing in sling mode and a grippy side that prevents slipping in shoulder mode.

Peak Design straps offer many great options for the Canon mirrorless system. Many photographers use the Peak Design Clutch hand strap with an additional strap attached.

Audio Equipment for Video Recording

The Canon R5’s impressive video capabilities deserve equally impressive audio recording solutions. Rode microphones are highly regarded in the industry. The Rode Wireless Pro is a professional choice, but the new Rode Wireless Go III now can do 32-bit like the Pro models, so you may want to consider the Go III as a more budget-friendly option. DJI microphones are also very popular as well.

Filters: Creative Control and Protection

Filter selection for the Canon R5 requires careful consideration due to the camera’s high resolution capabilities. While traditional front-mounted filters remain popular, the R5 offers unique rear filter mounting options.

The Kase Canon R Clip-in filters are an innovative and clever idea to allow you to use filters on any Canon R5/6 Camera & Lens combination, no matter how wide. Lightweight, these compact filters are made from B270 Optical glass and have normal high quality nano coatings.

For traditional filtering needs, photographers typically use CP and (V)ND filters when necessary. Some use Hoya NXT CP for Non-L lenses for the price/performance, while B+W XS Pro is preferred for L lenses.

Regarding protective filters, opinions vary among professionals. Using a “protection filter” is an age-old debate, but most say not to use them UNLESS you are in an area where there is a lot of sand, salt spray, and similar material contacting the lens. The idea of protecting the lens from everyday scratches is just playing on fear to make money. As others have suggested, a lens hood gives much better protection without hurting the image.

However, if protection is desired, only use a high quality CLEAR filter. The B+W Nano Clear filters are recommended.

Additional Accessories for Enhanced Functionality

Battery Grips

Attaching a vertical battery grip to your Canon R6 or R5 makes it easier to shoot in portrait mode. There are control dials that help while shooting. The battery life is extended as well due to the dual battery compartment.

Remote Controls

For precise camera control during tripod work, the Canon BR-E1 Wireless Remote Control offers convenient wireless control for select Canon cameras.

Lens Adapters

Canon users transitioning from EF lenses will appreciate the Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter that allows EF/EF-S Lens Compatibility with the EOS R Camera. Built-in Control Ring Provides Quick Access to Camera Functions. Exterior Design Matched to EF Lenses.

Cleaning Accessories

Maintaining your equipment is crucial for optimal performance. Professional photographers should have essential cleaning accessories, no matter what.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS R5 is a remarkable camera that deserves equally remarkable accessories to maximize its potential. These accessories are designed to optimize the performance of your R5, allowing you to capture stunning images and videos. By expanding your gear arsenal, you can tackle a wider range of photography and videography challenges while streamlining your workflow.

When selecting accessories for your Canon R5, prioritize quality over quantity. Invest in essential items like high-speed memory cards and reliable batteries first, then expand your kit based on your specific shooting needs. Whether you’re capturing wildlife in remote locations, creating cinematic videos, or shooting professional portraits, the right accessories will help you push the boundaries of what’s possible with this exceptional camera.

Remember that investing in quality accessories protects your camera and lenses from damage, ensuring their longevity. By carefully selecting the accessories outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to take full advantage of the Canon EOS R5’s impressive capabilities and create truly exceptional visual content.