I love my R5ii and I feel it\'s the most balanced bang-for-buck flagship camera that Canon offers. It\'s true that the R1 beats out the R5ii by every metric except for resolution and video options so in that sense, it is the true flagship. But most prosumers and hobbyists probably feel the R5ii is a better fit for them.
Coming from a R5, as I get to know the R1 more, it is just different. It is a machine designed to ease every aspect of the photographic workflow. Jury is still out if it takes "better" pictures. But I am not sure if that is the point. All modern cameras are capable of taking incredible images. From what I am experiencing, the R1 is more about taking those images quicker, more easily and getting a few other pictures other cameras might not (40 fps, rolling shutter, etc). It is all the customization buttons, the level of customization to things like the Smart Controller and EVF. Taking pictures, adjusting settings, etc, it is just faster/easier/under more of your control. It is about not missing shots. Then, certain lenses just feel better on the R1. The RF 24-105 f/2.8 Z for example. Bit awkward on the R5, very front heavy. Great lens, still use it a ton, but on the R1, feels much more natural.
While I am sure many R1 owners are enthusiasts such as myself, when I think of "1" series bodies, I think of a photographer I saw a few years back a at a Celtics game (a friend was fortunate enough to be given courtside seats and I am fortunate enough to have such a friend). Working two 1Dx series bodies, each is worn down to the magnesium. The 70-200 and 300 f/2.8 lenses are chipped.
Just for fun, I brought my M series body, I did get a few cool pics.
Not bad with a M and EFm 22, enough to remember the event. But I definitely would want more if it was my job and I was responsible for capturing all the moments.
So, I agree that the "5" series is a good "bang for your buck," I think what you are really saying is that it meets your needs exceptionally well, which is great. I expect a very good number of pro sports shooters are still using a 1 series body. Just like the 5 series has bells and whistles over the 6 series, so does the 1 series.
