The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS R vs Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM – Find Out Which Camera Wins!

The world of macro photography is captivating, allowing you to capture the intricate details of the smallest subjects. When it comes to Canon cameras and lenses, two popular combinations stand out: the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the **Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM**. Both offer exceptional image quality and macro capabilities, but their strengths and weaknesses differ, making the choice dependent on your specific needs and preferences. This blog post explores the key differences between these two powerful combinations, helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your macro photography journey.

Camera Bodies: Canon EOS R vs Canon EOS R5

The first decision involves choosing between the Canon EOS R and the Canon EOS R5. While both are excellent mirrorless cameras, they cater to different levels of photographers and offer distinct features.
Canon EOS R:

• Entry-level full-frame: The EOS R is a great starting point for full-frame photography, offering excellent image quality and a user-friendly interface.
• Compact and lightweight: Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and everyday use.
• 4K video recording at 30fps: The EOS R provides solid video capabilities, suitable for casual videographers.

Canon EOS R5:

• High-end full-frame: The EOS R5 is a professional-grade camera designed for demanding photographers and videographers.
• Exceptional image quality and performance: It boasts a high-resolution sensor, fast autofocus, and impressive low-light performance.
• 8K video recording at 30fps: The EOS R5 offers stunning video quality and versatility, making it a top choice for filmmakers.

Choosing the Right Body:
If you’re a beginner or casual photographer looking for a compact and affordable full-frame option, the Canon EOS R is a great choice. However, if you’re a professional or serious enthusiast seeking the best possible image quality, video capabilities, and advanced features, the Canon EOS R5 is the way to go.

Lenses: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

Now, let’s dive into the lenses, which are the heart of macro photography.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Wide-angle perspective: The 35mm focal length offers a wide field of view, making it versatile for various subjects, including landscapes and portraits.
• Close-up capabilities: With a maximum magnification ratio of 0.5x, this lens allows for impressive close-up shots.
• Fast aperture: The f/1.8 aperture provides shallow depth of field for beautiful bokeh and low-light performance.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM:

• Telephoto perspective: The 85mm focal length offers a telephoto perspective, ideal for isolating subjects and creating a compressed background.
• Higher magnification: This lens boasts a maximum magnification ratio of 1.4x, enabling even closer focus for intricate details.
• Fast aperture: The f/2 aperture provides shallow depth of field and excellent low-light performance.

Choosing the Right Lens:
The 35mm lens is a versatile option for photographers who want a wider field of view and a good balance of macro capabilities. The 85mm lens excels in isolating subjects and capturing extreme close-ups, making it a favorite among macro specialists.

Macro Capabilities: A Detailed Comparison

Both lenses offer excellent macro capabilities, but their strengths and weaknesses are worth considering:
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Wider field of view: The 35mm lens allows for greater flexibility in capturing the subject and its surroundings.
• Compact and lightweight: Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more convenient for travel and handheld shooting.
• Lower magnification: While the 0.5x magnification is impressive, it might not be sufficient for capturing the finest details.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM:

• Higher magnification: The 1.4x magnification allows for extremely detailed close-up shots, revealing the intricate textures and patterns of your subjects.
• Telephoto perspective: The 85mm lens provides a more compressed background, isolating the subject and creating a professional look.
• Larger and heavier: Its size and weight might be a consideration for handheld shooting and travel.

Choosing the Right Lens for Your Subjects:
If you’re photographing small insects, flowers, or other subjects that require extreme close-ups, the 85mm lens with its higher magnification is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a wider field of view for capturing the subject and its environment, the 35mm lens is a good option.

Image Quality and Performance

Both lenses deliver exceptional image quality, but they have their unique characteristics:
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Sharpness: The 35mm lens produces sharp images with excellent detail and clarity.
• Bokeh: The f/1.8 aperture creates beautiful bokeh, blurring out backgrounds and drawing attention to the subject.
• Chromatic aberration: It exhibits minimal chromatic aberration, ensuring clean and natural colors.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM:

• Sharpness: The 85mm lens excels in sharpness, producing incredibly detailed images even at close distances.
• Bokeh: The f/2 aperture creates smooth and pleasing bokeh, enhancing the subject’s separation from the background.
• Chromatic aberration: Like the 35mm lens, it exhibits minimal chromatic aberration, resulting in accurate colors.

Choosing the Right Lens for Your Style:
Both lenses excel in image quality, offering sharp details, beautiful bokeh, and accurate colors. The 35mm lens is a versatile option for various subjects, while the 85mm lens shines in capturing intricate details and creating a professional look.

Autofocus Performance

Both lenses feature the STM (Stepping Motor) technology, ensuring smooth and silent autofocus, ideal for both stills and video.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Fast and accurate autofocus: The 35mm lens provides quick and precise autofocus, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• Silent operation: The STM motor ensures silent autofocus, minimizing distractions during video recording.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM:

• Excellent autofocus performance: The 85mm lens also exhibits fast and accurate autofocus, ensuring sharp focus even at close distances.
• Silent operation: The STM motor provides silent operation, ideal for video recording and wildlife photography.

Choosing the Right Lens for Your Shooting Style:
Both lenses offer reliable and silent autofocus, making them suitable for various shooting styles, including wildlife, portraits, and macro photography.

Versatility and Use Cases

Both lenses offer great versatility for various photography genres:
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Street photography: Its wide field of view and fast aperture make it ideal for capturing candid moments and street scenes.
• Travel photography: Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for travel and everyday use.
• Portrait photography: The f/1.8 aperture allows for shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and emphasizing the subject.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM:

• Portrait photography: The 85mm lens is a classic portrait lens, providing a flattering perspective and beautiful bokeh.
• Wildlife photography: Its telephoto perspective allows for capturing distant subjects while maintaining a shallow depth of field.
• Product photography: Its macro capabilities and sharp details make it perfect for showcasing products in their finest form.

Choosing the Right Lens for Your Needs:
The 35mm lens is a versatile option for various genres, while the 85mm lens excels in portrait and wildlife photography.

Price and Value

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Affordable: This lens is relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of photographers.
• Exceptional value: It offers excellent image quality, macro capabilities, and versatility at a reasonable price.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM:

• Premium price: This lens is priced higher than the 35mm lens, reflecting its advanced features and performance.
• Exceptional value for macro specialists: For photographers who prioritize extreme close-ups and high magnification, the 85mm lens is a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the Right Lens for Your Budget:
The 35mm lens offers excellent value for its price, while the 85mm lens is a premium option for those seeking the best possible macro capabilities.

Summary: Finding the Perfect Macro Companion

Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable option with good macro capabilities, the 35mm lens is a great choice. However, if you prioritize extreme close-ups and professional-grade performance, the 85mm lens is the way to go. Remember to consider your budget, shooting style, and subject matter when making your decision. Both combinations offer exceptional image quality and macro capabilities, allowing you to capture the beauty of the world’s smallest wonders.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens on the Canon EOS R5?
A: Yes, you can use the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens on the Canon EOS R5. All RF lenses are compatible with all Canon EOS R series cameras.
Q: Which lens is better for photographing insects?
A: The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is generally considered better for photographing insects due to its higher magnification, allowing you to capture intricate details.
Q: What is the maximum magnification ratio of the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens?
A: The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 1.4x.
Q: Can I use the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens for portrait photography?
A: Yes, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is a versatile lens that can be used for portrait photography. Its fast aperture allows for shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and emphasizing the subject.
Q: Is the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens suitable for video recording?
A: Yes, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is suitable for video recording. Its STM motor ensures smooth and silent autofocus, minimizing distractions during recording.