Struggling between RF USM and STM lineup as an amateur

sercheese wrote:

Hello,

As many of you, I dream about Canon R5(Mk II)/R3 with some USM L primes like RF 50mm F1.2, etc. to have the best quality of photos.
The reality though is, that I am an amateur. All photos taken with this combo would be family related. I am a pharmacist (not a dentist :p), so I have no plans to sell my photos in the future.
I have watched some comparison videos, i.ex. 50mm F1.2 vs 50mm F1.8 and tried to cover the captions. I've found it very hard to see the real difference. I've learned that many profis show some difference (i.ex. a sharper eye) but only while zooming in.
I have printed some photos up to the size 15×21 cm. I have no need to print them bigger than A4.
So as hard as it is, I think a better option would be Canon R6 Mk II with some STM non-L primes.
I've used to shoot with Canon 50d and Nikon d500. I had few years of pause, while shooting only with my smartphone. The reason why I want to buy a new camera is because my first newborn is coming to the world in Mai. I want to take some beautiful photos of my family now and some vacation photos in the future.
I've also thought about a macro lens like RF 100mm F2.8L Macro to take some photos of those tiny hands, lips, etc. But now I think this is also a too expensive lens for my needs and for this short period of time. I have no interest in taking photos of flowers, insects, etc. in the future.
On one side, it is financially possible for me to go all out and buy the best gear. I've used to do it this way with other things, like a road bike, etc. But I'm starting to realise that there is a lot of marketing going on and a territory of marginal gains. The additional advantage of the STM line would be its compact size and weight. Is it true that the new RF lineup is much better than the old EF lineup, even in STM range?
I guess, I'm expecting your acknowledgement. I am just afraid that without this sweet RF 50mm F1.2 I will lose something, some important detail...
If I would go the STM way, there are many primes at the moment:
RF 16mm F2.8
RF 24mm F1.8 Macro
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro
RF 50mm F1.8
RF 85mm F2.0 Macro
I even thought about the new R8, which would be even lighter, but it lacks IBIS, so I think that's not a good idea, especially indoors.
The 50mm focal length is my go to lens. Which one should I accompany it with so that it makes sense?
Or should I buy the RF 50mm F1.2 (because USM will focus quicker as my child becomes quicker as well?) and wait for a RF 35mm F1.2 to get the best of the best...?

Thank you for your thoughts

I think you may be over-complicating things. You say you don’t intend to print larger than A4, so you absolutely don’t need an R5 or R3 or large L prime lenses. If you want them, that’s your choice but do please recognise that it’s all overkill, and to get the best from such equipment needs a lot of practice and dedication, time and opportunity. You would be just fine with something simpler, more compact and lighter. In fact having had kids and now grandkids, my view on child photography is that the best camera is a (very good) smartphone. It’s always at hand for those fleeting moments, needs no preparation or special lighting, can take bursts and videos too. By all means do set-piece portraits too, but they will rarely have the spontaneity that defines the best photos of babies and small children. Plus I suspect that you won’t have as much time as you expect! My suggestion, as you would clearly like to spend some money on your hobby, is to aim a little lower but more versatile - let’s say an R6ii plus the 24-70 2.8 L or 24-105 f4 L. This will cover the vast majority of family photo situations and a lot of others too. Get used to the amazing performance of a modern mirrorless camera before deciding on other lenses. Maybe later get a 70-200. And most importantly upgrade your phone! Have fun and enjoy your photography, don’t anguish over choices that will give only marginal gains. And by the way, you can print much much larger than A4 with these options should you wish!!!