What To Know
- Compared to the EOS R system, the EOS 77D and the EF-S 18-135mm lens are larger and heavier, making them less portable.
- The Canon EOS R is a groundbreaking full-frame mirrorless camera that ushered in a new era of image quality and technology.
- The EOS R can record stunning 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, making it a versatile tool for both stills and video.
Choosing the perfect camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially for photographers who are trying to decide between the established Canon EOS 77D with its versatile EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens and the newer, mirrorless Canon EOS R with its compact and capable RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two popular setups, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various photography styles.
The Canon EOS 77D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: A Versatile All-Rounder
The Canon EOS 77D is a well-regarded DSLR offering a blend of performance and affordability. Paired with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, it presents a compelling package for photographers seeking versatility.
Strengths:
- Versatility: The 18-135mm lens provides a wide zoom range, covering everything from wide-angle landscapes to portraits and telephoto shots of distant subjects. This makes it a great option for travel, everyday photography, and even wildlife shots.
- Image Stabilization: Both the camera and lens feature image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low light.
- Affordable: The EOS 77D and the EF-S 18-135mm lens are relatively affordable compared to other DSLR setups, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious photographers.
- Autofocus Performance: The EOS 77D boasts a 45-point autofocus system, which is fast and accurate, allowing you to capture sharp images of moving subjects.
- Continuous Shooting: The camera can shoot at up to 6 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing action shots.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Low Light Performance: The lens’s maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end limits its low light performance, requiring higher ISO settings and potentially leading to increased noise.
- No 4K Video: While the EOS 77D offers Full HD video recording, it lacks 4K capabilities, which might be a drawback for videographers.
- Bulkier and Heavier: Compared to the EOS R system, the EOS 77D and the EF-S 18-135mm lens are larger and heavier, making them less portable.
The Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: A Compact Powerhouse for Creative Expression
The Canon EOS R is a groundbreaking full-frame mirrorless camera that ushered in a new era of image quality and technology. When paired with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens, it becomes a compelling tool for creative photographers.
Strengths:
- Superb Image Quality: The full-frame sensor of the EOS R delivers exceptional image quality with excellent dynamic range and low noise performance, even at high ISO settings.
- Fast and Silent Autofocus: The RF 35mm f/1.8 lens features a fast and silent autofocus system, making it ideal for capturing fleeting moments and shooting video without distracting noise.
- Wide Aperture: The lens’s wide aperture of f/1.8 allows for shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh effects and isolating subjects from the background.
- Macro Capabilities: The lens offers a 1:2 magnification ratio, allowing you to capture stunning close-up shots of subjects like insects, flowers, and textures.
- Compact and Lightweight: The EOS R and the RF 35mm lens are remarkably compact and lightweight, making them highly portable for travel, street photography, and everyday use.
- 4K Video Capabilities: The EOS R can record stunning 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, making it a versatile tool for both stills and video.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Zoom Range: The fixed 35mm focal length limits the versatility of the lens, requiring you to move closer or further away from your subject to achieve the desired framing.
- Higher Cost: The EOS R system is significantly more expensive than the EOS 77D setup, making it a less accessible option for budget-conscious photographers.
- Limited Lens Selection: The RF lens system is still relatively young, offering a smaller selection of lenses compared to the EF system.
Choosing the Right Combo: Your Photography Style Matters
The best camera and lens combination for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Photography Style: If you require versatility for various subjects and situations, the EOS 77D and EF-S 18-135mm lens are a solid choice. However, if you specialize in street photography, portraiture, or macro photography, the EOS R and RF 35mm lens offer superior image quality, shallow depth of field, and macro capabilities.
- Budget: The EOS 77D setup is more affordable, while the EOS R system is a significant investment.
- Portability: The EOS R system is significantly more compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Video Capabilities: The EOS R offers 4K video recording, while the EOS 77D is limited to Full HD.
Beyond the Specs: A Deeper Dive into Image Quality
While both systems offer excellent image quality, the EOS R with its full-frame sensor delivers a noticeable edge in terms of dynamic range, low light performance, and overall image detail. The full-frame sensor captures more light, resulting in cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings. This makes the EOS R a superior choice for low light photography, landscapes, and situations where you need to capture the most detail.
The Verdict: Which System Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best camera and lens combo for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The EOS 77D + EF-S 18-135mm lens is an excellent choice for:
- Beginner and intermediate photographers: It’s a versatile and affordable option for those starting out or looking for a do-it-all camera.
- Travel and everyday photography: The zoom lens is ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects and situations.
- Photographers on a budget: It’s a more affordable option compared to the EOS R system.
The EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 lens is ideal for:
- Serious photographers: It offers superior image quality, fast autofocus, and creative control.
- Street photography, portraiture, and macro photography: The fixed focal length and wide aperture make it a great choice for these genres.
- Photographers who prioritize image quality and low light performance: The full-frame sensor and fast lens deliver exceptional results.
- Videographers: The 4K video capabilities and silent autofocus make it a great option for video production.
Beyond the Specs: Exploring the Creative Potential
Choosing a camera and lens setup is more than just comparing technical specifications. It’s about finding the tools that inspire you to create your best work. The EOS 77D and the EF-S 18-135mm lens offer a reliable and versatile foundation for capturing everyday moments, while the EOS R and the RF 35mm lens open up a world of creative possibilities with their superior image quality, fast autofocus, and macro capabilities.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Photographic Journey
Whether you choose the Canon EOS 77D + EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM or the Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro, remember that the most important factor is your own creativity and passion for photography. With the right tools and a desire to learn, you can capture stunning images and express your unique vision through the lens.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which system is better for low light photography?
A: The Canon EOS R with its full-frame sensor and fast RF 35mm f/1.8 lens offers significantly better low light performance than the EOS 77D and EF-S 18-135mm lens.
Q: Can I use EF lenses on the EOS R?
A: Yes, you can use EF lenses on the EOS R with an adapter, but you’ll lose some of the benefits of the RF system, such as autofocus speed and image stabilization.
Q: What are the advantages of a mirrorless camera over a DSLR?
A: Mirrorless cameras offer several advantages over DSLRs, including smaller size and weight, faster autofocus, silent shooting, and electronic viewfinders with real-time image preview.
Q: Which system is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS 77D is a great choice for beginners due to its affordability, versatility, and user-friendly controls. However, the EOS R is also a great option for beginners who are willing to invest in a more advanced system.
Q: Is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro a good all-around lens?
A: While the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a fantastic lens for street photography, portraiture, and macro, its fixed focal length limits its versatility for other genres like landscapes or wildlife photography.
