copladocus

I have been to Ken Rockwell's site and he mentions the R5 is weather sealed just as well as the 5D IV. He did not mention anything about it being as robust as the 5D. For those who know, is it as robust in build as the 5D? Please answer only if you actually know the answer. I have a friend who is planning on expedition travel in tropical locales who needs a good camera that can take a beating. He is not invested in any camera system or maker. His budget is flexible and at present can cover the entry price for the R5 and good glass.
Thanks!

jim quist Loc: Missouri

If you want something that can take a beating you should look at the Canon 1D bodies. I own several and they can take whatever you can throw at them. My wife has a 5D iv and it is not anywhere as robust as the 1D body.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

If ruggedness is a requirement then yes, a 1D is the answer. I speak from experience. But that comes at a price. It is heavy and expensive. The specifications are directed at high speed focus and image capture as a trade off against the high megapixel capability of the R5. A new 1D X Mark III is well above the price of an R5.

What about a rental for the expedition?

DRM Loc: NC

Directed to your specific question, yes, the R5 is "as robust as the 5D." So is the 5D IV, as well as the 5D models between the original 5D and the 5D IV. I have owned each of the models in the 5D series, and I now have the R5.

I would not hesitate to take either of my 5-series DSLRs or the R5 to any location, including tropical locales. That said, I agree with others that Canon's 1-series are even better--in terms of robust build, specifically--than are models in the 5-series; they are, after all, designed for heavy use by full-time working pros. The R5 is tough enough, however, and offers the advantages of mirrorless plus in body stabilization.

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I recently purchased a R5 after owning a Canon 5D3 for 8 years. I think the R5 is pretty tough - and I don't really worry about the build quality. It's new so I'm more careful with it. But I was careful with my 5D3 at first.

I still have the 5D3 as my backup camera when I'm doing commercial photoshoots. I will probably never use it again as I find the R5 a much better camera with better pic quality and a bit smaller size. I was tempted to get the 5D4 vs the R5, and I'm glad I got the R5. I may eventually buy the next gen R when it comes out and sell the 5D3.

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I also have an "L" bracket on both my R5 and 5D3. This adds additional protection on the side with the ports and the bottom - where I normally set the camera down. My L bracket is from RRS. There are lower cost options out there.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

So buy TWO R5's and you'll have money left over. LOL I have the 7DII and it's built like a tank. I could hit someone in the head with it, Knock him out, and still take 20 shots of him before he hits the ground. LOL

copladocus

Thanks for the responses everyone. I figured it would be like the 5D but did not want to assume. I can see the one place where it might be damaged is the articulated screen on the back. But, I have that feature on my 6D and it is safely stored and has never gotten tangled up in anything that could rip it off. Although I'd personally love to have a 1DX (for bragging rights as I have no practical reason for it) for my friend the 1DX is not an option for two reasons, price and weight. He will be afoot on his treks so both size and weight are a consideration. Thanks again all for your information.

Bbarn Loc: Ohio

Watch the weight also when choosing RF lenses. Many are rather heavy.

copladocus

thanks, will pass that on. Truth told he is at the advanced novice stage and honestly would be best served by one of the crossover waterproof cameras that are much smaller and lighter. But, if I suggested that I would not get sales royalties from Canon for my recommendations... ;-)

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Canon rates the R5 as capable of 300,000 shutter actuations. That's double the 5D Mark IV's rating of 150,000 "clicks".

Of course, the shutter rating isn't everything. Other things on a camera can fail. But shutter rating is one of the few ways to compare predicted durability of a camera. It's not a guarantee, by any means.

Of course, you might use up those clicks faster with the R5, if you shoot a lot at the camera's fastest continuous frame rate. R5's 12 frames per sec (mechanical shutter) is nearly twice as many as the 5DIV's 7 fps.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

???

Yes, in some cases RF lenses are a little heavier than comparable lenses. But in other cases they're lighter.

For example, the RF 24-70mm is a little heavier than some others for mirrorless, but lighter than most of them for DSLRs.

On the other hand, the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 is the lightest anyone makes, by a relatively large margin.

The RF 100-500mm is also very light among lenses covering similar ranges, both for mirrorless and DSLRs. In fact, it's a half pound lighter than Canon's own EF 100-400mm II for their DSLRs.

Canon has focused (pun intended) on premium lenses for the R-system, which tend to have a lot of glass and be heavy. They've only recently begun to offer some smaller, lighter, less expensive models. Those are very competitive when it comes to weight.

For example, the RF 35mm f/1.8 is within a few grams of comparable lenses from Sony and Sigma. On the other hand, the RF 85mm f/2 lens is a little heavier than Nikon Z, Panasonic S and Sony 85mm f/1.8. But the Canon lens is macro (1:2) capable and image stabilized, while the other three aren't.

Be sure to check other specs carefully, too. For example, in comparison the RF 15-35mm f/2.8 may seem a fit hefty at first, but it has a wider range of focal lengths than many of the competing lenses for full frame mirrorless cameras.

copladocus

Sounds good, thanks. I doubt my friend will need the continuous shooting mode but it is nice to have the option. The more I find out about the R5 the more I want it... Now I just have to wait until they start offering it with discounts or accessory bundles.