Just picked up the R5 Mark II and my wallet is crying but I need a solid prime lens for an upcoming shoot in about three weeks. I am mostly doing street photography and some low-light event stuff here in Chicago, so I need something fast. I have been looking at the RF 50mm f/1.2 but honestly, that price tag is scary, and I saw some people online saying it is way too bulky for all-day street work. Then I checked out the RF 35mm f/1.8 macro because it is cheaper and lighter, but is it too soft for this high-res sensor? My logic was that I want the best glass for that new sensor, but I also dont want to lug around a brick if I am walking around the city for six hours straight. I keep flip-flopping between getting the high-end stuff or just saving for a secondary body, so I am stuck. Does the 35mm hold up well enough on the R5 II or should I just bite the bullet and get the 50mm f/1.2 despite the weight? I just cant decide if the extra sharpness is worth the back pain...
To add to the point above: I honestly think you guys are selling the RF 35mm short, but I also get why you want top-tier optics for that 45MP sensor. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM isn't soft, but it definitely shows its budget roots in the corners when you are wide open. For street work in Chicago, having the stabilization is actually a life-saver when light levels drop during those evening shoots. If you really want that high-end sharpness without the brick-like weight of the 50mm, you should seriously look at the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM. It is tiny, basically a pancake lens, and the optics are surprisingly sharp for such a small package. It lets you get closer to your subjects which is great for street photography. If you are worried about the R5 II sensor resolving enough detail, that little 28mm is gonna surprise you. Personally, I would skip the heavy f/1.2 glass unless you are doing professional portraiture work where that extra stop of bokeh is mandatory. Your back will thank you after three weeks of walking around the city. Keep the extra cash for a fast card like the ProGrade Digital 512GB CFexpress Type B Cobalt because you will need the speed for that R5 II buffer anyway.
Congrats on the new body, that thing is a beast. Honestly, ditch the idea of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM for street work. In my experience, carrying that much glass around Chicago for six hours is just asking for a miserable day. It's legendary glass for sure, but for pure walkability, you'll regret the weight. As for the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM, it handles the high-res sensor fine for street stuff. People obsess over charts too much, but real-world shots look crisp enough imo. If you want something that hits that sweet spot between sharpness and size, check out the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM. It is way better balanced than the 50mm and honestly, it is basically perfect for the R5 II sensor without killing your back.
Totally agree. Dragging that 50mm around gets old fast. Try the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or grab a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art with an adapter.
