Unleash Your Photography Skills: Canon EOS R vs EOS R5, and the Battle of the Lenses – 35mm vs 70-200mm

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when navigating the world of Canon’s full-frame mirrorless offerings. Two popular choices often come up: the Canon EOS R paired with the **Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro** and the **Canon EOS R5** with the **Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM**. While seemingly different in their intended use cases, both pairings offer compelling features and capabilities. This blog post breaks down the key differences between these two setups, helping you decide which one best suits your photographic needs.

Body and Features: EOS R vs EOS R5

The Canon EOS R and EOS R5 are both full-frame mirrorless cameras, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The EOS R, launched in 2018, was Canon’s first foray into the full-frame mirrorless world. It offered a solid foundation with a 30.3MP sensor, 4K video recording, and a compact body. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the newer EOS R5.
The EOS R5, released in 2020, is a powerhouse of a camera. It boasts a 45MP sensor, 8K video recording, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and a faster autofocus system. These features make it ideal for professional photographers and videographers who demand the highest quality and versatility.
Here’s a quick comparison:

Lens Choices: The 35mm Prime vs the 70-200mm Zoom

The lens choice significantly impacts the type of photography you can pursue. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a versatile prime lens, perfect for street photography, portraits, and even close-up macro work. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, while the built-in image stabilization helps capture sharp images even in low-light situations.
The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, on the other hand, is a professional-grade zoom lens designed for sports, wildlife, and event photography. Its constant f/2.8 aperture ensures consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, while the advanced image stabilization and fast autofocus make it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Here’s a breakdown of the lens characteristics:

Photography Style: Finding the Perfect Match

The choice between the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon EOS R5 with the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM ultimately depends on your preferred photography style and needs.
Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Ideal for: Street photography, portraits, documentary, travel, and close-up macro photography.
• Benefits: Compact and lightweight setup, versatile focal length, excellent image quality, and affordable price point.
• Limitations: Limited reach for subjects further away, not ideal for fast-moving action.

Canon EOS R5 + RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM:

• Ideal for: Sports, wildlife, events, portraiture, and general photography.
• Benefits: Exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, excellent image stabilization, versatile zoom range, and professional-grade build.
• Limitations: Larger and heavier setup, higher price point, not as versatile for close-up work.

Price and Value: Weighing the Costs

The price difference between these two setups is significant. The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a more affordable option, especially for beginner and enthusiast photographers. The Canon EOS R5 with the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is a premium setup that comes with a higher price tag, justifying its professional-grade features and capabilities.
Here’s an estimated price comparison:

• Canon EOS R + RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: Around $2,000 (body + lens)
• Canon EOS R5 + RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM: Around $6,000 (body + lens)

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice

Both the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon EOS R5 with the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM offer excellent image quality and performance. The choice ultimately boils down to your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable setup for street photography, portraits, and close-up work, the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a great choice. If you need a professional-grade camera and lens combination for sports, wildlife, and events, the Canon EOS R5 with the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is the way to go.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Can I use the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens on the Canon EOS R?
A: Yes, you can use the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens on the Canon EOS R. It’s compatible with all RF-mount lenses.
Q: Is the image stabilization on the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro effective?
A: Yes, the image stabilization on the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is effective and helps capture sharp images even in low-light conditions.
Q: What are the differences in video recording capabilities between the EOS R and EOS R5?
A: The EOS R5 offers superior video recording capabilities with 8K 30p and 4K 120p recording, while the EOS R is limited to 4K 30p.
Q: Is the Canon EOS R5 worth the additional cost compared to the EOS R?
A: The EOS R5 offers significant advantages in terms of image quality, video recording, autofocus, and features. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your individual needs and budget.
Q: Which setup is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a more beginner-friendly setup due to its affordability and ease of use. However, the EOS R5 offers more advanced features that can be beneficial for learning and growing as a photographer.