A personal and professional reflection on embracing the Canon R system as the core of my photographic vision.
As a landscape photographer deeply connected to light, movement and silence, every choice I make in my workflow must serve one purpose: to honour the scene in front of me with precision and poetry. For years, I worked with Canon DSLRs, building my craft and trusting their reliability in the field. But the moment I held the Canon EOS R5, I knew it wasn’t just an upgrade to the Canon R system, it was a shift in how I would see and create from that day forward.
The freedom of seeing more
The Canon EOS R5 redefined my relationship with the viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) gave me the power to pre-visualise exposure, white balance, and filters in real time, especially useful when working in extreme light conditions or fine-tuning long exposures. The ability to focus precisely using the touchscreen or eye detection allowed for more fluid compositions, even in challenging terrains.
What truly changed everything was not a spec sheet; it was my workflow in the field. When I tested the Canon EOS R5, I immediately noticed:
– A drastically more responsive and silent experience
– The EVF previewing exposure and composition live
– Better dynamic range & shadow recovery
– Stabilization that allowed tack-sharp handheld shots
– A lighter, more agile setup for long hikes
My essential trio: 15-35mm, 70-200mm f/4L, and 10-20mm
When paired with the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, the R5 becomes an extension of my creative intent. This lens is my go-to for wide, immersive landscapes, sharp from edge to edge, with subtle distortion and incredible contrast.
The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM adds reach and elegance when isolating details in mountain ranges or architectural forms. And the recent RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM opened an entirely new dimension, architectural interiors, immersive stream compositions, and exaggerated perspectives I had long envisioned.
Image quality that speaks with soul
It’s not just about resolution (though the 45MP sensor is extraordinary). It’s about the feel of the files, the dynamic range, the way highlights roll off, and how colours respond to subtle natural light. Whether I’m photographing alpine twilight or seaside minimalism, the files from the R5 have a painterly softness and editing flexibility that elevate my post-production process in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Built for the field — and for the educator
On my international photo tours, I need a system that’s fast, intuitive, and dependable. The R5 allows me to teach while shooting. I can show students the effects of focus stacking, filters, and long exposures directly from the live view. The weather-sealing and robust build give me peace of mind, whether I’m in the Dolomites, the Azores, or the coast of Portugal…
I didn’t just switch. I committed.
The Canon R System has become the core of my photographic identity. Not only as a photographer, but as a mentor who encourages others to trust their tools and push their creativity further. I’ve built my workshops, my editing workflow, and even my artistic language around what the EOS R5 makes possible.
I’m not looking back, because the view forward, through this system, is endlessly inspiring.
Captured with the Canon EOS R5 + RF Lenses
All the images featured in this post were taken during real assignments and photo tours across, Portugal and Europe.
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Paulo Silva – Landscape Photographer & Educator
