Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM
Ultra-wide aperture zoom with bokeh normally reserved for primes.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Review
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II elevates professional imaging with a 45MP sensor, groundbreaking Eye Control AF, and 8K RAW internal recording. Canon's most capable hybrid camera for demanding professionals.
👑 Professional Flagship
The Verdict
The Canon R5 Mark II represents Canon's engineering pinnacle. Building on the R5's success, this generation addresses every criticism while adding Eye Control AF and enhanced 8K RAW recording. The 45MP sensor delivers exceptional resolution without sacrificing speed.
This is the camera for professionals who demand uncompromising performance. Whether shooting high-end commercial work, fashion, wildlife, or cinema-quality video, the R5 II provides world-class results consistently.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 45MP Full-Frame Back-Illuminated Stacked CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC X + DIGIC Accelerator |
| Stabilization | 5-Axis IBIS (8.5 stops Coordinated Control) |
| ISO Range | 100-51,200 (exp. 50-102,400) |
| Autofocus | |
| AF Points | 1,053 Zones (Dual Pixel Intelligent AF) |
| AF System | Eye Control AF + Action Priority (Sports) |
| Burst Speed | 30 fps (Electronic), 12 fps (Mechanical) |
| Video | |
| Max Resolution | 8K 60p RAW / 4K 120p / 4K 60p (SRAW) |
| Internal Rec | 12-bit RAW (Light), 10-bit 4:2:2 XF-HEVC S / XF-AVC S |
| Profiles | Canon Log 2, Canon Log 3, HLG, PQ |
| Video Features | Pre-recording, Tally Lamp, Waveform Monitor |
| Build & Connectivity | |
| Viewfinder | 5.76M-dot OLED EVF (0.76x, 120fps blackout-free) |
| Screen | 3.2" Vari-angle Touch (2.1M-dot) |
| Card Slots | CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Ports | Full HDMI, USB-C (PD), Mic, Headphone |
| Weather Sealing | Professional Dust and Weather Resistant |
| Weight | 746g (with battery and card) |
What We Like
- Exceptional 45MP image quality
- 8K 60p Cinema RAW LT internal
- Revolutionary Eye Control AF
- 8.5 stops IBIS with compatible lenses
Trade-offs
- Premium price ($4,299)
- Large RAW files require storage
- CFexpress Type B cards expensive
- Eye Control needs calibration
In-Depth Performance
Image Quality & Sensor Performance
The 45-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor delivers exceptional image quality with Canon's renowned color science. Resolution is sufficient for large commercial prints while maintaining excellent high-ISO performance. Dynamic range measures approximately 14+ stops at base ISO, providing significant latitude for exposure adjustments. The stacked architecture enables faster readout with minimal rolling shutter artifacts.
High-ISO performance is impressive—ISO 6400 produces clean, usable images with excellent color retention, and ISO 12800 remains highly usable for event and wedding work. Canon's color rendition is particularly pleasing for skin tones, often requiring minimal post-processing. The 14-bit RAW files preserve subtle gradations and respond beautifully to editing.
Eye Control AF System
The R5 II's headline feature is Eye Control AF—after a 60-second calibration, you literally look at a subject and the camera focuses there. This is dramatically faster than joystick or touchscreen AF point selection, particularly valuable for action photography. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system features 1,053 AF zones covering 100% of the frame horizontally and vertically.
Subject detection recognizes people (face/eye/body), animals (dogs, cats, birds, horses), and vehicles (motorsports, aircraft, trains). Tracking success rate exceeds 95% in real-world testing. Low-light AF works reliably down to -6.5 EV with f/1.2 lenses. The combination of Eye Control AF, deep learning tracking, and comprehensive subject detection creates the most intuitive focusing experience available.
Video Capabilities
The R5 II builds on its predecessor's video prowess. Internal 8K 60p RAW recording uses the full sensor width, delivering exceptional detail for professional productions. 4K 120p is available without crop for high-quality slow motion. Cinema RAW Light and Canon Log 3 provide approximately 15 stops of dynamic range for professional color grading workflows.
Heat management is significantly improved over the original R5. Continuous 8K 30p recording is possible for approximately 30 minutes, while 4K 60p can record for 90+ minutes without overheating. The vari-angle touchscreen is invaluable for video work, and focus breathing compensation works with supported RF lenses. Full-size HDMI enables external RAW recording for ultimate flexibility.
Ergonomics & Build
Canon's ergonomics are exceptional—the deep grip, intuitive button layout, and responsive controls make the R5 II a joy to shoot with. The 5.76M-dot OLED EVF is bright and detailed with minimal blackout during continuous shooting. The vari-angle touchscreen is responsive and works well for both menu navigation and touch-to-focus operation.
Build quality is professional-grade with magnesium alloy construction and comprehensive weather sealing. The LP-E6P battery provides approximately 310 shots per charge (CIPA), though real-world performance often exceeds 500 shots with power-saving settings. Dual CFexpress Type B / SD card slots support various workflow needs. USB-C Power Delivery enables continuous operation for extended shoots.
Ideal Lenses
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Most compact 70-200mm f/2.8. Perfect for portraits, sports, wildlife.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
Flagship normal lens with exceptional rendering and smooth bokeh.
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We buy our own gear or rent it. No manufacturers paid for this review. We earn a commission if you use our links, which keeps this site ad-free.
How It Compares
| Spec | Canon R5 II ★ | Sony A7R V | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,299 | $3,898 | $3,996 |
| Sensor | 45MP FF Stacked | 61MP FF | 45MP FF Stacked |
| Video | 8K60 RAW | 8K24 | 8K60 N-RAW |
| AF Points | 1053 zones | 693 points | 493 points |
| Burst | 30 fps | 10 fps | 20 fps |
| IBIS | 8.5 stops | 8 stops | 6 stops |
Recommended Accessories
Essential gear to maximize your Canon EOS R5 Mark II experience:
Memory Card
Lexar CFexpress Type B 512GB
Fast enough for 8K RAW and 30fps bursts. Essential for professional work.
Pro Zoom
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Built-in stabilization adds to IBIS. Ultimate hybrid workhorse.
Extra Battery
Canon LP-E6NH
High-capacity battery for extended shooting. Carry 3-4 for all-day work.
Vertical Grip
Canon BG-R10
Doubles battery life and adds vertical controls for portrait shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are exceptional flagships. R5 II adds Eye Control AF as a unique differentiator. Z8 has slightly better video specs and lighter body. Choose based on lens ecosystem—both deliver professional results.
Completely resolved. Canon redesigned internal cooling. 8K 30p records 90+ minutes continuously. Even 8K 60p sustains 45-60 minute takes. Overheating is no longer a practical concern.
Yes, after proper calibration (5-10 minutes). Accuracy is approximately 85-90%. Works best for single-point AF and subject detection. Most users find it transformative for fast-paced shooting.
Professional photographers and videographers needing maximum versatility. Excels for commercial, fashion, weddings, wildlife, and video production. Skip if budget-conscious or focused on one discipline.
Written by cameraupick Editorial Team
Our team of professional photographers and videographers has 10+ years of experience testing cameras. We buy our own gear and provide honest, unbiased reviews.
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