Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6: Must-have accessories guide

The Canon R5 and the Canon R6 are the company’s entry into the advanced mirrorless market. These cameras are pretty similar and share a lot of accessories in the market.

There are a lot of Canon R5 accessories available in the market. The same goes for Canon R6 accessories. But sometimes, choosing the best one is quite a chore. Lucky for you, here are the best accessories for your Canon R5 and R6.

Best Batteries for the Canon R6 and R5

There is no doubt that the official Canon LP-E6NH batteries are the best Canon R5 battery. This battery is said to be 14% better than the Canon EOS R’s battery. The Canon R6 battery life increases with the LP-E6NH as well.

Moreover, it is still possible to use the old Canon LP-E6N batteries but with a smaller capacity.

For action photographers, keep in mind that the burst speed goes slower if the battery is below 60%. Casual shooters will not bother with this downside, but it is worth noting.

Another advantage of using the new Canon LP-E6NH batteries is it allows you to charge it inside the camera. This means that if you have an external charger and two batteries, you can charge both at the same time.

If you have the budget, then you should consider the LP-E6Nh as the best battery for Canon R5. It has a higher capacity and works really well.

Best third-party battery

The official Canon LP-E6NH batteries are pricey. It currently retails for $80 each. Though if you are using a Canon R6 or the R5, the battery price is not a problem.

However, buying countless batteries costs a lot in the long run. Five of these cost $400, which is a significant amount already

So far, the best third-party battery for the Canon R6 and R5 is the BM Premium LP-E6N batteries. In terms of cost, it retails for around $30 and that is for two batteries and a dual charging block.

Third-party batteries are perfect for back-ups and emergency uses. But, there is a downside to using third-party batteries. 

Canon included a feature on its mirrorless cameras that detects whether a battery is counterfeit or not. A warning pops up and the camera powers off. Switching it on makes the camera usable again though.

In summary, if you want an affordable Canon EOS R6 battery, then you can go for third-party ones. However, there are compromises to watch out for.

Best Vertical Grip

Attaching a vertical grip to your Canon R6 or R5 makes it easier to shoot in portrait mode. There are control dials that help while shooting.

The battery life is extended as well due to the dual battery compartment.

The best vertical grip for both the R6 and R5 is the Canon BG-R10 Vertical Battery Grip. It has all the necessary features in a $350 package.

For those with the extra budget, the Canon WFT-R10A Vertical Battery Grip + Wired LAN is the one for you. 

This $999 grip can do everything that the BG-R10 can do with some added features. It has Wired LAN capabilities plus a Wi-Fi connection. This allows photo transfer on the go or direct transfer while shooting an event.

Best Screen Protector

Screen protectors for mirrorless cameras are debatable. Some say that it makes it difficult to look at the display. Others argue that it is better to have one than to have a scratched display.

If you are part of the latter, the Expert Shield Canon R5 and R6 Screen Protector is your best bet. 

It retails for $12 yet protects against unwanted scratches. This screen protector has anti-glare and the display remains crystal clear. Another advantage is the offered lifetime warranty.

Best Remote Shutter for the Canon R5

The Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch is a simple controller that features an N-3 type socket. It works the same as your camera's shutter release with AF activation upon half-press. It also has a lock for long exposures.

If you need another option, then the Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller is a good buy as well. It is priced at around $140, but it has a lot of features. However, it needs the RA-E3 adapter for it to fit.

This compact remote controller is great for macro photography, telephoto shots, and long exposure images for up to 99 hours.

The LCD is great for easy monitoring. It also functions as an intervalometer with exposure count settings.

Best Remote Shutter for the Canon R6

Almost all Canon EOS R5 accessories mentioned earlier work great for the Canon R6 too. However, the Canon R6 uses the Canon Remote Switch RS-60E3.

This $21 remote works for the R6 and other Rebel cameras. What’s great about this remote is its price. 

Being first-party, compatibility and durability is not an issue as well.

Best CFExpress Memory Card for the Canon R5

Delkin Devices makes the best card out there and the Delkin Black CFexpress cards are fast enough to save RAW images.

These CFexpress series have a 1725 MB/s read speed while they can write files for up to 1530 MB/s. 

The Canon R5 supports two types of memory cards, the first one is the CFexpress. The second one is the classic UHS-II SD cards.

Using a UHS-II SD card disables 8K video shooting as the 300 MB/s speed cannot keep up with the footage. 

But for the casual photographer, the Delkin Black SDXC V90 UHS-II cards are more than enough. 

Best Memory Card for the Canon R6

For the Canon R6, the dual UHS-II memory card slots work great with the Delkin Devices Black SDXC V90 UHS-II cards.

However, if the V90 cards are not available, then the V60 cards are more than enough. The Sony M v60 card is another wise choice.

Otherwise, using the SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II cards is not a problem.

Best CFexpress and SD card reader

The Delkin CFexpress USB 3.2 Card Reader is currently one of the top choices available in the market. This compact card reader is tiny yet can transfer media quickly.

It has rubber protection to cover the CFexpress card slot. Besides, it also serves as a mini CFexpress protective case due to the rubber.

Besides CFexpress cards, this reader also has a slot for SDXC cards. It is an effective solution for transferring files fast and efficiently.

This card includes both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-A connection.

Best Memory Card protective case

The Pelican 0915 Memory Card case is the best one available in the market. It can carry 12 SD cards, 6 mini SD, and 6 micro SD cards.

Pelican has a great reputation when it comes to camera gear protection. This card protector is small. But it has the same level of protection as the huge Pelican camera cases. It even has the same kind of water resistance.

For CFexpress cards, the company released the Pelican XQD/CFexpress card case recently.

Best L-Bracket for the Canon EOS R6 and R5

The Canon EOS R6 and the R5 share the same footprint and the ProMediaGear PLCR56 L-Bracket Plate does a great job for photographers.

This L-Bracket fits the camera body perfectly while providing extra features such as an SS2 or QD strap socket. The vertical part of the bracket slides out for easy access to the camera ports.

ProMediaGear creates flash brackets and other plates that connect directly to this L-Bracket. Besides a separate flash bracket, this L-bracket has a cold shoe that supports external flashguns. 

Canon EOS R6 and R5 users with a battery grip attached may use the ProMediaGear PLCBGR10 L-Bracket. It works the same as the PLCR56 but with a longer vertical side.

Best Flash Bracket for the Canon EOS R6 and R5

For portrait photographers, having a flash bracket expands the lighting options. Instead of having a Speedlite mounted on the camera, the flash bracket can be adjusted for a more flattering image.

The ProMediaGear BBX2 Boomerang Flash Bracket does just that. It attaches to the camera base plate and can be adjusted from portrait to landscape.

Using a flash bracket lifts, the flashgun giving a more natural-looking image.

For wedding photographers, the BBX Boomerang Flash Bracket supports flash modifiers. A Profoto OCF Beauty Dish or a mini softbox can be attached for a more diffused light.

Best Arca-Swiss Plate for the Canon R5 and R6

A custom-fitted Arca-Swiss Plate works the same as any Arca-Swiss plate. However, a dedicated Canon R5 or R6 plate has a better connection. The Plate follows the bottom shape of the camera plus all the ports are left uncovered.

The ProMediaGear PBCR56 Arca-Swiss Plate does not only work as a tripod mount. But, as the L-bracket mentioned earlier, it fits flash brackets, handles, and straps.

It is also machined from a solid aluminum block which is more durable than a QR plate made from combined materials.

Best Tripod for the Canon R5 and R6

Mirrorless cameras such as the Canon R5 and the Canon R6 are light compared to their DSLR counterparts. But that does not mean that you should skimp on a tripod.

The ProMediaGear TR344 Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod is a great companion for any shoot that needs a sturdy tripod. It is made of carbon fiber with four leg sections and only costs $1,200.

The max load is 60lbs which is more than enough for any Canon R5 or Canon R6 setups. Attach a super telephoto and this tripod can easily carry that load.

Also, travelers benefit from the 53 cm folded length. Carrying it is not a problem as well as it only weighs 4 lbs. If you love bringing your tripod with you, then this is the best tripod for the Canon R6 and R5.

Of course, a tripod is not complete without a ball head. Luckily, ProMediaGear has three options to choose from. The cheapest, BH50C40 50mm ball head, costs $399.95 and is more than enough for a mirrorless camera.

The BH50C40 has an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp with two 90 degree drop-in slots. The friction knob is large and in an accessible area. There are tension knobs as well. Panning is taken care of by the fluid panning mechanism that easily rotates 360 degrees.

Best rain cover for the Canon R5 and Canon R6

The Think Tank Hydrophobia Camera Covers is a must-have whenever shooting under the rain or near water. There are several sizes available ranging from telephoto covers to regular zoom lenses.

According to Think Tank, all the seams are covered to prevent accidental entry of the water. Plus to ensure its durability, the material is made of three layers of protection. Controls are also easy due to the oversized window.

The main downside to this cover is the price. Each size costs around $130 and if you have a lot of lenses, then the cost adds up quickly.

Best external flash for the Canon R5 and R6

The flagship Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is still the best external flash for the Canon R5 and the Canon R6. It has a mighty maximum power output with a GN of up to 60. 

The zoom range is also prepared to take on any focal range. You will be delighted with the 20 - 200mm motorized zoom range too. It also has TTL capabilities making it easier to just point and shoot. Though, this model works better when used in Manual mode.

If you love taking outdoor shots, then this flash is perfect. The construction is top-notch. Plus, the whole body is weather-sealed. 

However, this Speedlite is pricey. You can get one from $450 onwards. Another downside is the unintuitive interface. Hopefully, Canon releases an updated version soon.

That being said, this is still the best flash for Canon R6 and the R5. Pricey, yes. But, it is still worth it.

Best third-party flash for the Canon R6 and R5

If you are looking for backup flashguns, the Godox V1 Flash is a great option. It is a powerful 76W flash that is Canon E-TTL compatible.  

The most noticeable feature is the round head. It is unique looking, but it does a great job in providing soft and smooth light. This flash has a 1.5 second recycle time. It also supports a High-Speed Sync of up to 1/8000s. 

Best Wireless Flash Trigger\

The Canon ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter remains to be the best first-party Canon flash trigger available today. It can easily control the Canon 600EX-RT and other Canon flashes.

What’s great about this transmitter is its ability to control up to fifteen Speedlites. Besides that, you can even separate it into five different groups. 

With that much control, you can easily manipulate several speedlites for the perfect lighting setup.

It also has E-TTL II flash support, 8 custom functions, and a transmission distance of up to 30 meters.

This trigger costs $285. But for someone who is using a Canon R5, R6, or any Canon camera, this is the best one you can get.

Best off-camera TTL Flash Cord for the Canon R5/R6 

If you have a wireless flash trigger then a flash cord might not be for you. Otherwise, the Canon OC-E3 Off-Camera Shoe Cord is a great back-up to a wireless trigger. If you don’t have a wireless trigger, then it can serve as the main off-camera flash option. 

The great thing about this trigger is it maintains the TTL capabilities of the Canon R5 and the Canon R6. Just pop it in the camera’s hot shoe, and you can point the flash to your subject or in any direction. 

This cable also works great if you have the ProMediaGear Flash Brackets and the ProMediaGear L-Brackets. The cable is long enough and is compact when not in use.

 For $70, it might be a little expensive. However, this is a Canon first-party accessory and you will not have any compatibility problems.  

Best Canon EF - EOS R Lens adapter

No third-party adapter could beat the Canon EF - EOS R lens adapter. For someone coming from a Canon DSLR with an EF mount, this is a sure-fire way to keep all your lenses.

This compact camera adapter maintains the quick autofocus speed and retains image stabilization. Plus, the adapter is weather sealed so no worries about dust entering the camera’s sensor.

Best Shotgun Microphone for the Canon EOS R6 and R6 

Both cameras take excellent videos. The R6 is capable of UHD 4K 60p footage while the R5 can take detailed 8K video. The R5 also takes advantage of HDR PQ, C-Log, and 10-bit 4:2:2 recording.

That being said, the main weakness of cameras is the audio department. The built-in microphone may work well in silent areas. But, a dedicated shotgun microphone is way ahead in terms of quality.

The Rode NTG Hybrid Mic solves audio issues like wind noise. It outputs clear audio without the need for adapters. It works well with Canon cameras.

Battery life is superb and is rated to last for up to 30 hours. There are several controls as well such as variable gain, pad, roll-off, and HF boost.

Best Lavalier Microphone for the Canon R6 and R5

Using a shotgun microphone does not work all the time. If the mic is not facing the right direction, audio pickup suffers.

With the Rode Lavalier Go with the Rode Wireless Go Compact System, missed audio won’t be a problem anymore.

Just clip the lavalier mic to your clothing and it picks up your voice pretty well. It also removes worrying if the shotgun mic is picking up the right audio.

The only downside is the price. The Wireless Go system and the Lavalier Go costs $280 for one set. But if videos are your forte, then it is worth every penny spent.

Best video monitor for the Canon R5 and R6

Both mirrorless cameras are capable of taking 4K 60P video. But the Canon R5 takes the edge due to the 8K video recording.

These cameras have excellent viewfinders. However, attaching the Atomos Ninja V makes the video recording experience better.

The Ninja V is a pricey monitor. But, there are a lot of advantages compared to a regular video monitor.

It has additional exposure tools such as waveform and vectorscope. Also, it supports different 3D LUTs.

There are recording limits when using both the R5 and the R6. This is to prevent the camera from overheating.

However, using the Ninja V removes that video limit. Instead of having the viewfinder heat up, the Ninja V does the job of video monitoring.

Best Video Slider for the Canon R5 and R6

The ProMediaGear PMG Double-Sided Slider is an excellent video slider. For its price, you are getting two types - straight and curved. Just flip the slider over to choose between the two tracks.

This slider works perfectly with the ProMediaGear TR344 Tripod. But if you have a different one, then it should work great as well.

There are different sizes available. Depending on the kind of shoot, choose one that suits your genre the best. 

Attaching the PMG VSMDC1 controller makes it easier to slide the camera around. It also reduces handheld camera shake.

All in all, the PMG double-sided slider is a worthwhile investment. It is durable while giving smooth sliding movement. There are even attachment points included for other camera accessories.

Best Video Handle Rig for the Canon R5 and R6

Besides the slider, ProMediaGear has a modular handle for mirrorless cameras. The ProMediaGear HB70 and HB2, fit both the Canon R5 and R6.

The HB2 fits the right side of the camera while the HB70 goes to the left. These are made to be modular so you can easily adjust them depending on your preference.

In the case of the Canon R5 and R6, the handles can be adjusted for the tilt screen to work.

These handles with a scratch-resistant finish with leather grips. The good thing about having these two is they are not exclusive to these Canon cameras. Plus there are attachments for flash and other accessories as well.

Best Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

Despite having in-body stabilization, the Canon R5, or the R6, work better with the Zhiyun-Tech Weebill-S Gimbal Stabilizer. This 3-axis stabilizer helps when taking handheld videos.

The small design makes it perfect for vloggers and travelers. But videographers, in general, will surely take smooth footage with the Weebill-S. 

Zhiyun claims that the motors and algorithm have been improved compared to their previous generation gimbals. The battery life is rated up to 14-hours. The support for electronic focus is excellent as well.

Compatibility is not a problem due to the Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto QR plates. It also supports all trans mount accessories.

It is also more affordable at $399 compared to other gimbals in the market.

These are the must-have accessories for your Canon R5 and the Canon R6. If these accessories are not available, make sure to check out other reviews for great alternatives.