Shoot Like a Pro: Comparing Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM – The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering the powerful Canon EOS R and EOS R5 models. Both offer exceptional image quality and versatility, but each comes paired with a distinct lens, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM respectively. This blog post delves into the key differences between these two setups, helping you determine which one best aligns with your photographic needs and style.

Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: The Compact and Versatile Choice

The Canon EOS R paired with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a compelling combination for photographers seeking a lightweight and versatile setup. The EOS R, Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera, offers impressive image quality, a responsive autofocus system, and a compact design. The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro, a popular choice for street photography and portraiture, complements the EOS R’s strengths with its fast aperture, excellent sharpness, and unique macro capabilities.

Advantages of the Canon EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Compact and Lightweight: This combination is remarkably portable, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
• Fast Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture allows for shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and isolating subjects.
• Macro Capabilities: The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro offers up to 0.5x magnification, enabling you to capture stunning close-up shots.
• Image Stabilization: The lens’s built-in image stabilization compensates for camera shake, ensuring sharper images, especially in low light.
• Affordable: Compared to the EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, this combination is more budget-friendly.

Disadvantages of the Canon EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Limited Zoom: The fixed 35mm focal length restricts your ability to zoom in or out.
• Slower Autofocus: While the autofocus is decent, it’s not as fast as the EOS R5’s system.
• No 4K 60p Video: The EOS R can only record 4K video at 30fps.

Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM: The Powerhouse for Professionals

The Canon EOS R5, Canon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, is a powerhouse of features and performance. It boasts incredible image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, and advanced video capabilities. Paired with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, a professional-grade zoom lens, the EOS R5 becomes a formidable tool for photographers and videographers alike.

Advantages of the Canon EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM:

• Superb Image Quality: The R5 delivers exceptional image quality with high dynamic range and low noise.
• High-Speed Autofocus: The R5’s autofocus system is renowned for its speed and accuracy, making it ideal for fast-moving subjects.
• Versatile Zoom: The 28-70mm zoom range provides flexibility for various shooting situations, from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits.
• 4K 60p Video: The R5 excels in video recording, offering 4K resolution at up to 60fps, along with advanced features like internal ProRes RAW recording.
• High-Resolution Sensor: The R5’s 45MP sensor captures incredibly detailed images.

Disadvantages of the Canon EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM:

• Expensive: This combination is significantly more expensive than the EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro.
• Larger and Heavier: The EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM are larger and heavier, making them less portable.
• No Macro Capabilities: The RF 28-70mm f/2L USM does not offer macro functionality.

Choosing the Right Camera and Lens Combination for You

The best camera and lens combination for you depends on your individual needs and shooting style. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Ideal for: Street photography, portraiture, travel, everyday photography, and close-up shots.
• Best for those who: Value portability, affordability, and a fast aperture.

Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM:

• Ideal for: Professional photography and videography, weddings, events, wildlife, landscapes, and high-resolution work.
• Best for those who: Need the best image quality, fast autofocus, and advanced video features.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Considerations

While the EOS R and EOS R5 paired with their respective lenses offer compelling choices, it’s crucial to consider additional factors that might influence your decision:

• Your Budget: The EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro combination is significantly more affordable than the EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM.
• Your Shooting Style: If you primarily shoot street photography or portraits, the EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro might be a better fit. If you need versatility for a wider range of subjects, the EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offers more options.
• Your Video Needs: The EOS R5 excels in video recording, offering higher resolutions and frame rates than the EOS R.
• Your Comfort Level with Size and Weight: The EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro are much more compact and lightweight than the EOS R5 and RF 28-70mm f/2L USM.

The Verdict: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination for you is the one that best suits your specific needs and budget. Both the Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offer compelling advantages. By carefully considering your shooting style, budget, and video requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the setup that empowers you to capture stunning images and videos.

The Last Word: Beyond the Lens and Camera

Remember, the camera and lens are just tools. While they play a crucial role in the creative process, your vision and skill as a photographer are what truly matter. Embrace the journey of learning and experimentation, and let your passion guide you towards capturing the world in your own unique style.

What You Need to Know

1. Can I use the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM on the Canon EOS R?
Yes, you can use the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM on the Canon EOS R. However, you won’t be able to take advantage of some of the R5’s advanced features, such as the higher resolution sensor and the faster autofocus system.
2. Is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro good for video?
Yes, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a decent lens for video, offering good image quality and smooth focusing. However, it doesn’t have the same advanced features as the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, such as image stabilization for video.
3. Is the Canon EOS R5 worth the extra cost?
Whether the Canon EOS R5 is worth the extra cost depends on your needs. If you’re a professional photographer or videographer who requires the best image quality, fast autofocus, and advanced video features, the R5 is a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize portability, the EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro might be a better choice.
4. Is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro a good lens for beginners?
Yes, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a great lens for beginners. It’s affordable, easy to use, and offers good image quality and versatility. It’s also a good lens for learning about different photographic techniques, such as shallow depth of field and macro photography.