Revolutionize Your Photography: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM vs Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM – The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the powerful options offered by Canon. Two popular choices for photographers seeking versatility and quality are the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV paired with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens.
This blog post dives deep into the strengths and weaknesses of each setup, helping you understand which one best suits your photographic needs and style.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM: This classic combination represents a tried-and-true approach to photography. The 5D Mark IV is a full-frame DSLR known for its excellent image quality, robust build, and reliable autofocus system. The 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens offers a versatile zoom range, making it suitable for various subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: This modern pairing embodies innovation and high-end performance. The EOS R5 is a mirrorless camera boasting impressive features like 8K video recording, advanced autofocus, and high burst rates. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is a prime lens renowned for its exceptional sharpness, shallow depth of field, and beautiful bokeh.

Image Quality: A Detailed Comparison

Both cameras excel in image quality, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: The 5D Mark IV’s 30.4MP full-frame sensor delivers excellent detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Its image processing engine produces vibrant and natural-looking colors. The 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens, while not as sharp as some prime lenses, offers good sharpness and contrast across its zoom range.
Canon EOS R5: The R5’s 45MP full-frame sensor is a powerhouse, capturing even more detail than the 5D Mark IV. Its dynamic range is exceptional, allowing you to recover highlights and shadows with ease. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is renowned for its exceptional sharpness and micro-contrast, producing images with exceptional clarity and detail.
The Verdict: While both cameras produce excellent image quality, the R5 edges out the 5D Mark IV due to its higher resolution and superior dynamic range. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens also contributes to the R5’s superior sharpness and detail.

Autofocus: A Battle of Speed and Precision

Autofocus is crucial for capturing fleeting moments and achieving sharp results. Both cameras offer impressive autofocus systems, but they cater to different needs.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: The 5D Mark IV features a 61-point autofocus system with 45 cross-type points, providing reliable and accurate focus across the frame. It’s particularly strong in tracking moving subjects.
Canon EOS R5: The R5 boasts a groundbreaking Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 1053 autofocus points covering almost the entire sensor area. This system is incredibly fast and accurate, making it ideal for tracking fast-moving subjects and achieving precise focus in challenging lighting conditions.
The Verdict: The R5’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system takes the lead with its superior coverage, speed, and accuracy. It excels in tracking fast-moving subjects and achieving precise focus in various lighting situations.

Performance: Speed and Versatility

Both cameras offer impressive performance, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: The 5D Mark IV is a workhorse, capable of shooting at up to 7 frames per second with continuous autofocus. Its robust build and weather-sealing make it suitable for demanding conditions.
Canon EOS R5: The R5 is a performance powerhouse, capable of shooting at up to 20 frames per second with continuous autofocus. It also offers 8K video recording at 30fps and 4K video recording at up to 120fps, making it a versatile tool for capturing both stills and video.
The Verdict: The R5 wins in terms of overall performance, thanks to its higher burst rate, 8K video capability, and superior video recording options.

Lens Selection: Versatility vs. Specialization

The lens choice significantly impacts the overall experience. The 24-105mm f/4L II USM offers versatility, while the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM delivers exceptional image quality and shallow depth of field.
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM: This lens provides a versatile zoom range, making it suitable for various subjects like landscapes, portraits, and everyday photography. It’s lightweight, compact, and offers good image quality.
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: This lens is a prime lens known for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and shallow depth of field. It’s ideal for portraiture, low-light photography, and creating stunning images with a blurred background.
The Verdict: The choice depends on your needs. The 24-105mm f/4L II USM offers versatility and convenience, while the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM delivers superior image quality and creative control for specific photography styles.

Ergonomics and Handling: Comfort and Control

Both cameras offer comfortable handling and intuitive controls, but their designs cater to different preferences.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: The 5D Mark IV is a classic DSLR with a familiar layout and a deep grip for comfortable handling. Its buttons and dials provide easy access to key settings.
Canon EOS R5: The R5 is a mirrorless camera with a more compact and streamlined design. It features a touchscreen interface and an electronic viewfinder, offering a modern and intuitive user experience.
The Verdict: The choice depends on your preference. The 5D Mark IV offers a traditional DSLR experience, while the R5 provides a more modern and compact design.

Price and Value: Balancing Features and Cost

The price of the cameras and lenses plays a significant role in the decision-making process.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM: This combination is a more affordable option, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: This combination is a premium option, offering top-of-the-line performance and features but at a higher price point.
The Verdict: The 5D Mark IV with the 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens offers a more budget-friendly option, while the R5 with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens represents a premium investment in high-end photography.

The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Combo for You

The choice between the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the 5D Mark IV with the 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens if:

• You need a reliable and versatile camera for various photography styles.
• You prefer a traditional DSLR experience with a deep grip and physical controls.
• You are on a tighter budget and prioritize value over cutting-edge features.

Choose the EOS R5 with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens if:

• You prioritize high-resolution image quality, exceptional sharpness, and shallow depth of field.
• You want a modern camera with advanced features like 8K video recording and a fast autofocus system.
• You are willing to invest in premium performance and cutting-edge technology.

Beyond the Verdict: Considerations for Your Decision

Beyond the technical specifications and features, consider these factors to make an informed decision:

• Your photography style: If you primarily focus on portraiture, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens’s shallow depth of field and sharpness would be a perfect fit. However, if you shoot a wide range of subjects, the versatility of the 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens might be more appealing.
• Your budget: The R5 with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is a significant investment, while the 5D Mark IV with the 24-105mm f/4L II USM lens offers a more affordable option.
• Your experience level: The R5’s advanced features, like 8K video recording, might be overwhelming for beginners. The 5D Mark IV’s more straightforward interface might be a better choice for those starting out.

What You Need to Learn

Q1: Is the Canon EOS R5 compatible with EF lenses?
A: Yes, the EOS R5 is compatible with EF lenses using a Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter. However, you might lose some of the benefits of the R5’s autofocus system when using EF lenses.
Q2: What is the difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens?
A: A prime lens has a fixed focal length, while a zoom lens allows you to adjust the focal length. Prime lenses generally offer better image quality and a wider aperture, but they lack the versatility of zoom lenses.
Q3: Can I use the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV?
A: No, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is designed for Canon’s RF mount system, which is used on mirrorless cameras like the EOS R5. It is not compatible with the EF mount system used on DSLRs like the 5D Mark IV.
Q4: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS R5 offers superior video recording capabilities, including 8K video recording, high frame rates, and advanced features like internal recording and Canon Log. The 5D Mark IV is still capable of recording high-quality video, but it is limited to 4K resolution at 30fps.
Q5: Is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV still a good camera in 2023?
A: The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is still a capable camera in 2023, offering excellent image quality, reliable autofocus, and a robust build. However, it is starting to show its age compared to newer models like the EOS R5. If you are looking for the latest features and performance, the R5 would be a better choice. However, if you prioritize value and a traditional DSLR experience, the 5D Mark IV can still deliver excellent results.