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The Canon R5 is an incredibly advanced hybrid machine designed for photographers and videographers. One of the great things about these smaller mirrorless cameras is how easily they can be customized with different accessories to improve handling and functionality.
This guide will walk you through some of the best accessories for the Canon R5.
Table Of Contents
1. Screen Protectors
Canon has always made cameras with nice touch screens, and I never really bothered with screen protectors on my old Canon DSLRs. However, now that we rely more on flip-out screens, it’s a good idea to use screen protectors.
PCTC Canon R5 Screen ProtectorsCanon R5 Screen Protector: Amazon A brand I use often today is PCTC. They give you two screen protectors, for the top and the back in case you mess one up on your first attempt or in case you eventually damage the screen protector. Since this is a glass screen protector, it can be a little difficult to remove after a few months. If you need to replace the screen protector after a while, apply gentle heat with a hairdryer or space heater to help loosen the bond. |
2. Memory Cards
Memory Cards Canon R5
The Canon R5 features one CFexpress Type B slot and one UHS-II SD slot. While the newer R5 II has higher video bitrates, the original R5 still requires high-quality cards for 8K RAW recording. I have performed extensive in-camera speed tests for this specific model:
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3. Batteries and Battery Grips
The Canon R5 uses the LP-E6NH battery. While the newer LP-E6P (released with the R5 II) is technically compatible with the original R5 after a firmware update, the R5 doesn’t actually require the higher discharge rates of the newer battery to hit its maximum performance.
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Official Battery: [Canon LP-E6NH] – Designed for the original R5 to maintain 12fps mechanical burst, but is now discontinued.
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Newer Tech: [Canon LP-E6P] – Only necessary if you plan on eventually upgrading to the R5 II, but it works here too.
Official Batteries Canon LP-E6P
The Canon E6P batteries are the latest addition to Canon’s lineup. While they share many specifications with the LP-E6NH batteries, the exact differences remain unclear. Released alongside the new Canon R5 II, these batteries are expected to handle transients from higher dynamic loads more efficiently, potentially benefiting even older camera models. However, a firmware update will be necessary for these batteries to function properly. Rating: 2130 mAh /Voltage: 7.2 volts |
Best Third-Party Batteries
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. Hopefully, we won’t see any new compatibility issues with future camera firmware updates, which is something to always keep in mind when buying third-party batteries.
| BM Premium LP-E6NH Batteries 2-Pack With Charger
The BM Power is fantastic for the Canon EOS R system. This set does not have a charging plate, so you might want to add one if you need a dual charger. Rating: 2130 mAh /Voltage: 7.4 volts /WH: 15.8Wh |
Battery Grips
Canon BG-R10 Vertical Battery GripAvailable At: Amazon / Adorama / B&H
The Canon R5 is a powerhouse, but it’s a thirsty camera, especially when shooting 8K video or high-speed bursts. Adding a grip not only doubles your battery life but also significantly improves the ergonomics for portrait-orientation shooting. Battery Grip: The R5 uses the Canon BG-R10. Note that the newer cooling grips for the R5 II (BG-R20) are not compatible with this body. |
4. Body Cases
SmallRig Camera Cage For Canon R5SmallRig makes the best camera cages. They also make a few nice accessories for their cages or to attach monitors to the hot-shoe mount. They make the highest-quality attachments, grips, and cages. I like these cages with the SmallRig Universal Rotating NATO Side Handle because it lets you rotate the grip, making it easier to hold at lower angles – It’s what I use, and I love it. |
5. Camera Straps
Peak Design straps offer many great options for the Canon mirrorless system. I often use the Clutch hand strap with an additional strap attached.
Peak Design Clutch Camera Strap
The Peak Design Clutch hand strap comes with an Arca-Swiss base plate that has extra loops for an additional strap. The side of the clutch hand strap also takes a strap attachment, so you can keep a modular system where you can quickly put on or take off your strap while leaving the handgrip. |
Peak Design Slide Lite
Peak Design offers many different-sized straps. These straps are nice because they have an attachment system that makes putting them on or taking them off very easy. For a mirrorless camera like the Canon R6 or R5, you’ll likely want the medium-thickness strap, but you can also go with the thin strap if you’re running a lighter setup with smaller lenses. |
6. Microphones
I use and love Rode Mics. I personally use the Rode Wireless Pro and love it, but the new Go III can now do 32-bit like the Pro models, so you may want to consider it as a more budget-friendly option. DJI mics are also very popular as well.
Rode Wireless ProThe Rode Wireless Mics are incredibly easy to use and have great audio quality. This system lets you record the mics internally at 32-bit float and also has USB-C connectors for smartphones or connecting headsets as inputs. I use this for the 32-bit float, which is great for backup. This set also has 2 RODE Lavalier II Omnidirectional Lavaliers with locking connectors. It’s a nice system. It’s slightly more expensive than the Wireless Go II, but the upgrades are worth it. |
Rode NTG Hybrid MicThe Rode NTG Hybrid mic has an impedance of 10 Ohms and works very well with Canon cameras. This is probably the best bang-for-the-buck mic for the Canon system. |
7. Cleaning Accessories
I have a whole article on cleaning accessories, and there are a few that you absolutely should have, no matter what. If you want to see more accessories for wet sensor cleaning, check out this guide to cleaning accessories here.
Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloths 6-Pack
These are essential cleaning products. This is the best way to clean UV filters or lenses since it doesn’t leave behind lint or dust. I buy these in 6-packs to always have a few on hand. |
Rocket Air Blaster
There are many air blasters out there. I like the Rocket Air blasters because you can stand them up on their fins, and they won’t roll around on your desk as you work. They come in a few sizes; I’ve found medium to be the most useful. |
Sensor Brush
Seriously, these sensor brushes are the best way to clean your sensor. If you’re just cleaning up dust and dirt that won’t come off with the air blaster, the sensor brush is unbeatable. Keep the brush and the tube in their bags, and they will last you forever. Just never touch the bristles, and keep them as sterile as possible. I rarely use wet sensor swabs, but I once got a sensor brush five years ago. |
Extras
Remote Shutters
Canon Remote Switch RS-80N3
The camera remote switch for the Canon R5 is the RS-80N3. Not the RS-60E3. The 60E3 only works on the R6 and the Rebel cameras. Canon still uses this different connector on its big-boy cameras. |
Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller
For a timer remote, you will need the TC-80N3. This uses the same connection as the RS-80N3 and works only on the Canon R5, not the R6. You can go with a third-party remote here, but I’ve found the Canon remotes to always be superior. |
Available At: Canon RF Lenses
Be sure to check out my massive list of all the lenses available for the RF mount.
Final Thoughts: Keeping the Canon R5 Competitive
The Canon R5 remains a powerhouse hybrid camera, capable of professional 8K work and high-speed sports photography years after its release. While the Canon 5D Mark II has grabbed the headlines with its stacked sensor, the original R5 is far from obsolete—especially when outfitted with the right tools.
By investing in the dedicated BG-R10 grip for better ergonomics and ensuring you have CFexpress Type B cards capable of sustaining high-bitrate writes, you can squeeze maximum performance out of this body for years to come.
Upgrading to the Mark II? If you are considering making the jump to the newer system, remember that the grips and cooling accessories are different. You can find the full breakdown in my Canon R5 II Accessories Guide.
