Building on the earlier suggestion about the massive primes, they're amazing but might be overkill if you're balancing a budget right now. In my experience shooting track and court sports over the years, I've found that a fast zoom is usually more practical for most of what you're doing. I've tried many combos and I honestly think the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is the most essential lens for your kit. For basketball especially, you need that f/2.8 aperture to handle the dim lighting in most gyms without your ISO going totally through the roof. If you're looking for more reach for football without spending ten grand, definitely look at the used market for EF glass. I still use the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and it's incredible on the R5. The autofocus is snappy and you get that professional background separation that makes the players pop. Just a tip from someone who's been there: get a solid monopod like the Manfrotto XPRO Monopod+ because hauling a 300mm or 400mm prime for a whole game will kill your back otherwise. Feel free to ask if you want more info on how the adapter handles fast action tho!

Totally gotta jump in because nobody mentioned the absolute king of the RF sports lineup yet! I moved from an EF setup to the R5 and spent months obsessing over MTF charts before grabbing the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM. Its basically replaced three lenses for me and the performance is just unreal.

• Dual Nano USM motors are insanely fast for tracking track athletes
• Constant f/2.8 aperture is a total game changer for indoor or night games
• Weighs way less than the old EF 300mm primes I used it recently for a track meet and the hit rate was near 100 percent even during the 100m dash. If you want one lens to rule them all for the next decade, this is the one to save up for. Its pricey at about 9,500 dollars but honestly worth every penny for that R5 sensor. Using it with the Canon Extender RF 1.4x still gives you a 420mm f/4 which is just fantastic!

Here are some top Canon RF lenses tailored for sports photography:

1. Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM:

   • Key Features: This lens provides a versatile focal range, making it suitable for various sports. The image stabilization (IS) helps reduce camera shake, and the STM (Stepping Motor) ensures smooth and quiet autofocus. While the aperture range is narrower, it’s a lightweight and affordable option for sports enthusiasts.

2. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM:

   • Key Features: This L-series lens offers a longer reach, making it ideal for capturing distant action. The IS system compensates for camera movement, and the fast autofocus ensures sharp results. It’s a versatile choice for various sports, including wildlife photography.

3. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM:

   • Key Features: A professional-grade lens with a wide aperture of f/2.8, allowing for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. The fast autofocus and image stabilization make it suitable for dynamic sports like basketball and soccer. It’s a bit heavier but delivers outstanding image quality.

4. Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM:

   • Key Features: A lighter alternative to the f/2.8 version, this lens still offers great image quality and IS. The f/4 aperture is sufficient for most sports scenarios, and it’s more budget-friendly. Consider this if you prioritize portability without compromising performance.

Remember that your specific needs and shooting style will influence your decision. If you’re often shooting in bright conditions, the narrower apertures may not be a significant limitation. However, if you require the best low-light performance, the f/2.8 options are worth considering.

Lastly, consider renting or borrowing lenses to test them out before making a long-term investment. Personal experience and comfort with a lens play a vital role in achieving great sports shots. 

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Youre a lifesaver honestly.

@Reply #8 - good point! Honestly, I am in the exact same boat as you guys. I have been stressing over my gear setup for the upcoming season and it is such a headache trying to decide what to commit to with the R5. I keep going back and forth on what will actually survive the sidelines without breaking my back. Since I am also trying to figure this out, here is how I have been handling the research:

• Honestly, just head over to YouTube and search for R5 sports lens comparisons. There is this one video I saw a few weeks ago that breaks down the focusing speed perfectly, it should be the first result if you search for RF lens sports test.
• Check out some of the dedicated photography subreddits. People post their actual gallery results there, which is way more helpful than just reading specs.
• Definitely browse the official site for the lens roadmaps, they have some decent overviews of what each glass is actually built for. Good luck with the hunt, seriously. It is a total nightmare deciding what to drop that kind of cash on!

Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.

Oh man, I am so glad I found this thread because I have been pulling my hair out with this exact same dilemma for like six months now! Regarding what #6 said about building on the earlier suggestion about the massive primes, it is honestly so relatable because I am constantly oscillating between wanting that reach and not wanting to carry a small tank around the track. I have been debating my gear setup for the R5 for ages and I still feel like I am back at square one every time I head out to a game. It is seriously such a headache trying to figure out the right balance without going totally broke, and seeing everyone else struggle with the same thing makes me feel slightly less crazy. I honestly still have no clue what to pull the trigger on!

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM

Did this last week, worked perfectly

RF 400mm f/2.8L and RF 600mm f/4L.