Canon EOS 80D vs Canon EOS R: Which One Reigns Supreme for the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens?

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the vast array of options available. Two popular setups that often come up in discussions are the Canon EOS 80D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the **Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro**. Both offer compelling features and cater to different photographic needs. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two setups, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various photography genres.

The Canon EOS 80D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: A Versatile All-Rounder

The Canon EOS 80D is a well-established DSLR that boasts impressive features for both amateur and enthusiast photographers. Paired with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, this setup provides a versatile combination for a wide range of photographic scenarios.

Strengths:

• Versatile Zoom Range: The 18-135mm lens covers a broad focal length range, making it suitable for capturing landscapes, portraits, and everyday scenes.
• Image Stabilization: The lens incorporates optical image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.
• Autofocus Performance: The EOS 80D features a 45-point all-cross-type autofocus system, ensuring fast and accurate focusing for both stills and videos.
• Affordable Price Point: Compared to the EOS R system, the EOS 80D and EF-S 18-135mm lens are more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for photographers on a tighter budget.

Weaknesses:

• Crop Sensor: The EOS 80D utilizes an APS-C sensor, which provides a smaller field of view compared to a full-frame camera. This can be a limitation for certain types of photography, such as astrophotography or wildlife photography where a larger field of view is desired.
• Limited Low-Light Performance: While the lens offers image stabilization, the f/3.5-5.6 aperture can limit low-light performance, requiring higher ISO settings and potentially introducing noise in images.
• No In-Body Image Stabilization: Unlike the EOS R system, the EOS 80D lacks in-body image stabilization, which can further compromise image quality in low-light situations.

The Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: A Compact and Powerful Combination

The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera that represents the future of Canon’s photographic technology. Paired with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens, this setup offers a compact and powerful combination for photographers seeking exceptional image quality and creative flexibility.

Strengths:

• Full-Frame Sensor: The EOS R features a full-frame sensor, which provides superior image quality, better low-light performance, and a wider field of view compared to the EOS 80D’s APS-C sensor.
• Fast Aperture: The RF 35mm f/1.8 lens boasts a wide maximum aperture, allowing for shallow depth of field effects and improved low-light performance.
• In-Body Image Stabilization: The EOS R incorporates in-body image stabilization, which further enhances image sharpness, especially when using the RF 35mm f/1.8 lens.
• Macro Capability: The RF 35mm f/1.8 lens features a macro capability, allowing for close-up photography of small subjects.

Weaknesses:

• Fixed Focal Length: The RF 35mm f/1.8 lens is a fixed focal length lens, meaning that it cannot zoom. This can limit its versatility for capturing a wide range of subjects or scenes.
• Higher Price Point: The EOS R system, including the RF 35mm f/1.8 lens, is significantly more expensive than the EOS 80D and EF-S 18-135mm lens combination.
• Limited Lens Selection: The RF lens system is relatively new, and the selection of lenses available is still growing. This can limit the options for photographers seeking specific focal lengths or specialized lenses.

Choosing the Right Setup for Your Needs

The best camera and lens combination for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Canon EOS 80D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM: Ideal for:

• Beginners and Enthusiasts: The EOS 80D is a great camera for photographers who are just starting out or looking for a versatile and affordable option.
• Travel and Everyday Photography: The 18-135mm lens is perfect for capturing a wide range of subjects and scenes while traveling or documenting everyday life.
• Budget-Conscious Shooters: If you’re on a tighter budget, the EOS 80D and EF-S 18-135mm lens combination offers excellent value for money.

Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: Ideal for:

• Professional and Advanced Photographers: The EOS R system offers superior image quality and advanced features that appeal to professional photographers.
• Low-Light Photography: The fast aperture and in-body image stabilization of the EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 lens make them ideal for shooting in low-light conditions.
• Portrait and Street Photography: The 35mm focal length is a popular choice for portrait and street photography, offering a natural perspective and flattering field of view.
• Macro Photography: The macro capability of the RF 35mm f/1.8 lens allows for close-up photography of small subjects, making it suitable for nature photography or product photography.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring the Features

While the above comparison focuses on the core features of each setup, there are several other factors to consider when making a decision.

• Video Capabilities: Both the EOS 80D and the EOS R offer impressive video capabilities, including 4K video recording and various shooting modes. The EOS R, however, features a more advanced video system with features like Canon Log and HDR video.
• Connectivity: Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for transferring images to your smartphone or tablet. The EOS R also features a USB-C port for faster data transfer and charging.
• Customizability: Both cameras offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to personalize your shooting experience. The EOS R, however, offers a more advanced customization interface with more options for customizing buttons and menus.

The Verdict: A Matter of Preference and Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EOS 80D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable setup for everyday photography, the EOS 80D and EF-S 18-135mm lens combination is a great option. However, if you’re seeking superior image quality, advanced features, and a compact and powerful system, the EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 lens combination is the way to go.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring the Future

The world of photography is constantly evolving, and both Canon and other camera manufacturers are continuously introducing new technologies and innovations. As these advancements continue, it’s important to stay informed and consider your long-term photographic goals when making a camera and lens purchase.

A New Perspective: Embracing the Future of Photography

While the Canon EOS 80D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro represent two distinct approaches to photography, the future of photography lies in embracing the ever-evolving landscape of technology. From advancements in artificial intelligence to the emergence of new sensor technologies, the possibilities for capturing stunning images are constantly expanding.
As you embark on your photographic journey, consider not only the technical specifications of your equipment but also the evolving nature of photography itself. Embrace experimentation, explore new techniques, and let your creativity guide you as you capture the beauty of the world around you.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which setup is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS 80D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is a more beginner-friendly setup due to its simpler interface, affordable price, and versatile zoom lens.
Q: Which setup is better for low-light photography?
Q: Which setup is better for macro photography?
A: The Canon EOS R + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is the clear winner for macro photography due to its dedicated macro capability.
Q: Which setup is more future-proof?
A: The Canon EOS R system is generally considered more future-proof due to its mirrorless design, advanced features, and expanding RF lens system.
Q: What are the best alternatives to these setups?
A: For a similar experience to the EOS 80D + EF-S 18-135mm, consider the Canon EOS Rebel T8i + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. For a full-frame alternative to the EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8, explore the Canon EOS 6D Mark II + Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro.