Shoot Like a Pro: Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs Canon EOS 700D vs Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM – Let the Battle Begin!

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially for photographers navigating the vast world of Canon gear. Today, we’ll be comparing two popular choices: the Canon EOS 5D Mark III paired with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, and the Canon EOS 700D with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
This blog post will delve into the pros and cons of each combination, examining their performance, features, and suitability for different photography styles. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which setup might be the perfect fit for your photographic journey.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Canon EOS 5D Mark III + Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM:

• Camera: Full-frame DSLR with impressive image quality, high-speed shooting capabilities, and professional-grade features.
• Lens: Versatile zoom lens offering a wide-angle to portrait focal range, renowned for its sharpness and image stabilization.

• Camera: APS-C DSLR known for its user-friendliness, excellent video capabilities, and affordability.
• Lens: Standard zoom lens covering a popular focal range, featuring image stabilization and smooth autofocus for video recording.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III boasts a full-frame sensor, offering a larger surface area for capturing light. This translates to superior low-light performance, greater dynamic range, and richer detail in your images. The full-frame sensor also allows for shallow depth of field, a popular effect for portrait photography.
The Canon EOS 700D, on the other hand, utilizes an APS-C sensor, which is smaller than full-frame. While still capable of producing excellent images, it generally falls short of the 5D Mark III in low light, dynamic range, and detail. However, the APS-C sensor offers a “crop factor” of 1.6x, essentially magnifying the focal length of the lens, making it a good choice for wildlife and sports photography.
Verdict: The Canon EOS 5D Mark III with its full-frame sensor delivers superior image quality, particularly in low light and for achieving shallow depth of field.

Autofocus Performance: Speed vs. Precision

Both cameras feature advanced autofocus systems, but they differ in their strengths. The 5D Mark III boasts a 61-point autofocus system with 41 cross-type points, ensuring rapid and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions. This makes it ideal for fast-paced action photography, such as sports or wildlife.
The 700D’s autofocus system relies on 9 cross-type points, which is less extensive than the 5D Mark III. While still capable of delivering accurate focus, it might not be as quick or reliable for action shots. However, the 700D’s autofocus system is known for its smooth and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for video recording.
Verdict: The Canon EOS 5D Mark III offers faster and more accurate autofocus, making it the better choice for action photography. The Canon EOS 700D excels in smooth and silent autofocus, making it ideal for video recording.

Lenses: Versatility vs. Reach

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is a versatile zoom lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to portrait. It’s known for its exceptional sharpness, image stabilization, and excellent build quality. The lens is a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a reliable and consistent performance.
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is also a versatile zoom lens, but it caters to a wider range of focal lengths, starting from a wider 18mm. This makes it a more convenient option for capturing landscapes, architecture, and everyday scenes. The lens also features image stabilization and smooth autofocus, making it well-suited for video recording.
Verdict: The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens offers superior image quality and build quality, making it the better choice for professional and demanding applications. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is a more affordable and versatile option, ideal for everyday photography and video recording.

Video Capabilities: A Comparison of Features

Both cameras offer impressive video recording capabilities, but they cater to different needs. The 5D Mark III can record 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second, with manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. It also features uncompressed video output, which is ideal for professional video editing.
The 700D, on the other hand, boasts a more user-friendly video recording experience. It can record 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second, with full manual control over exposure settings. The 700D also features a built-in stereo microphone and a headphone jack, making it a good choice for vlogging and filmmaking.
Verdict: The Canon EOS 5D Mark III offers professional-grade video capabilities with uncompressed output, ideal for high-end video production. The Canon EOS 700D provides a more user-friendly video recording experience, suitable for vlogging and filmmaking.

Ergonomics and Features: A User-Focused Perspective

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is designed for professional use, featuring a robust build, a deep grip, and a comprehensive button layout. It also offers a variety of customizable features, allowing you to tailor the camera to your specific workflow.
The Canon EOS 700D, on the other hand, prioritizes user-friendliness and accessibility. It features a lightweight and compact design, a comfortable grip, and a simplified button layout. The 700D also offers a touch-sensitive LCD screen, which makes it easy to navigate menus and adjust settings.
Verdict: The Canon EOS 5D Mark III offers a professional-grade build and comprehensive features, ideal for demanding photographers. The Canon EOS 700D prioritizes user-friendliness and accessibility, making it a great choice for beginners and enthusiasts.

Price and Value: A Balancing Act

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III, along with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, represents a significant investment. However, the combination delivers exceptional image quality, professional-grade performance, and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for serious photographers.
The Canon EOS 700D and the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens offer a more affordable entry point into the world of DSLR photography. This combination provides excellent value for money, delivering a user-friendly experience, versatile performance, and excellent image quality for everyday use.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Combination

The choice between the Canon EOS 5D Mark III + Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and the Canon EOS 700D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III + Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM:

• Best for: Professional photographers, enthusiasts seeking the highest image quality, action photography, and demanding applications.
• Pros: Superior image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, professional-grade build and features, versatile lens.
• Cons: Higher price, larger and heavier than the 700D combo.

• Best for: Beginners, enthusiasts, everyday photography, video recording, and budget-conscious users.
• Pros: Affordable, user-friendly, versatile lens, good video capabilities.
• Cons: Lower image quality than the 5D Mark III, slower autofocus, not as robust as the 5D Mark III.

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination is the one that best suits your individual needs, budget, and photographic goals.

A Final Thought: Beyond the Numbers

While specs and features are important, remember that the best camera is the one you use most often. Consider your photography style, your budget, and your comfort level with different camera systems. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that inspires you to capture the world around you.

Top Questions Asked

1. What are the main differences between the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Canon EOS 700D?
The main differences lie in the sensor size, autofocus system, and overall features. The 5D Mark III boasts a full-frame sensor, a 61-point autofocus system, and a professional-grade build, while the 700D utilizes an APS-C sensor, a 9-point autofocus system, and a more user-friendly design.
2. Which lens is better for landscape photography?
Both lenses are capable of capturing stunning landscapes, but the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens offers a wider 24mm focal length, which is particularly useful for capturing expansive scenes.
3. Is the Canon EOS 700D a good choice for beginners?
Yes, the Canon EOS 700D is an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly design, intuitive controls, and affordable price. It offers a great starting point for learning the basics of DSLR photography.
4. How does the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens perform in low light?
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is not as strong in low light as the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens. However, it still performs well for everyday shooting, and its image stabilization helps to minimize blur in low-light situations.
5. Can I upgrade my Canon EOS 700D to a full-frame camera later?
Yes, you can upgrade your Canon EOS 700D to a full-frame camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark III or a newer model later. However, keep in mind that you might need to purchase new lenses compatible with full-frame sensors.