Unleashing the Power of Canon EOS R vs. EOS R8: A Battle of Lenses – Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs. Canon RF 24-50mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

Are you a photographer looking to upgrade your gear or a beginner venturing into the world of mirrorless cameras? The Canon EOS R and Canon EOS R8, paired with their respective lenses, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, offer compelling options for different shooting styles. This comprehensive comparison will help you navigate the features, pros, and cons of each combo to make an informed decision.

The Contenders: A Detailed Look

Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• EOS R: This full-frame mirrorless camera boasts a 30.3MP sensor, 4K video recording at 30fps, and a 5-axis in-body image stabilization. Its compact design and impressive autofocus system make it a versatile choice for various photography genres.
• RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: This lens offers a classic focal length for everyday photography, with a wide aperture for shallow depth of field effects and low-light performance. Its macro capabilities allow you to capture stunning close-up shots.

Canon EOS R8 with Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM:

• EOS R8: This APS-C mirrorless camera features a 24.2MP sensor and a 4K video recording capability at 60fps. It’s lighter and more compact than the EOS R, making it ideal for travel and everyday shooting.
• RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: This versatile zoom lens provides a wide range of focal lengths, suitable for landscapes, portraits, and everyday snapshots. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a perfect travel companion.

Sensor Size: Full Frame vs APS-C

The Canon EOS R utilizes a full-frame sensor, while the Canon EOS R8 features an APS-C sensor. This difference significantly impacts the image quality, field of view, and overall performance.
Full-frame (EOS R):

• Larger sensor: Captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field.
• Wider dynamic range: Offers greater detail in highlights and shadows.
• Higher resolution: Provides more detail in images.
• Wider field of view: Offers a broader perspective compared to APS-C.

APS-C (EOS R8):

• Smaller sensor: More compact and lightweight camera body.
• Crop factor: The sensor is smaller, resulting in a 1.6x crop factor, which effectively increases the focal length of the lens.
• Lower resolution: Compared to full-frame, the images might have slightly less detail.
• More affordable: Generally, APS-C cameras are more budget-friendly than full-frame models.

Lens Choices: Prime vs Zoom

The choice between a prime lens (fixed focal length) and a zoom lens depends on your shooting style and priorities.
RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro (Prime):

• Sharper images: Prime lenses often deliver superior image quality compared to zoom lenses.
• Faster aperture: Allows for shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
• Compact design: Prime lenses are generally smaller and lighter than zoom lenses.
• Limited focal length: Requires you to physically move closer or further away from your subject to adjust the composition.

RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM (Zoom):

• Versatility: Offers a wide range of focal lengths, eliminating the need to switch lenses frequently.
• Convenience: Ideal for travel and situations where you need to quickly adjust the composition.
• Slower aperture: Results in shallower depth of field and might struggle in low-light conditions.
• Larger and heavier: Zoom lenses are typically bulkier and heavier than prime lenses.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both cameras boast advanced autofocus systems, but their performance differs slightly.
EOS R:

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Offers fast and accurate autofocus, particularly for tracking moving subjects.
• 5,655 AF points: Covers a vast area of the sensor, providing excellent subject detection.
• Eye detection AF: Quickly and accurately focuses on the subject’s eyes, ideal for portraits.

EOS R8:

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Similar to the EOS R, it provides fast and reliable autofocus.
• 4,500 AF points: Covers a large portion of the sensor, ensuring accurate subject detection.
• Eye detection AF: Offers accurate eye tracking for portraits.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Frame Rate

Both cameras can record high-quality videos, but the EOS R8 offers a higher frame rate for smoother slow-motion footage.
EOS R:

• 4K video at 30fps: Suitable for most video recording needs.
• 1080p video at 60fps: Provides smoother slow-motion footage.
• Canon Log: Allows for greater flexibility in post-production color grading.

EOS R8:

• 4K video at 60fps: Enables smoother slow-motion footage.
• 1080p video at 120fps: Allows for even slower motion effects.
• Canon Log: Offers greater control over the video footage for professional-grade editing.

Design and Ergonomics: Compactness and Comfort

EOS R:

• Full-frame body: Larger and heavier than the EOS R8.
• Deep grip: Provides a comfortable and secure hold.
• Weather-sealed: Offers protection against dust and moisture.
• Electronic viewfinder: Offers a clear and detailed view.

EOS R8:

• APS-C body: Smaller and lighter than the EOS R.
• Shallow grip: Might not be as comfortable for larger hands.
• Not weather-sealed: Requires additional protection in challenging environments.
• Electronic viewfinder: Offers a high-resolution view.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Power and Sharing

EOS R:

• LP-E6NH battery: Provides approximately 540 shots per charge.
• USB-C port: Allows for fast data transfer and charging.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Enables wireless image transfer and remote control.

EOS R8:

• LP-E17 battery: Provides approximately 380 shots per charge.
• USB-C port: Supports fast data transfer and charging.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Enables seamless connectivity for image sharing and remote control.

Price and Value: Balancing Features and Budget

The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a more expensive option compared to the Canon EOS R8 with the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM.
EOS R with RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Higher price: Offers more features and performance.
• Full-frame quality: Delivers exceptional image quality and low-light performance.

EOS R8 with RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM:

• Lower price: More budget-friendly option.
• Compact and lightweight: Ideal for travel and everyday shooting.

Making the Right Choice: A Final Analysis

Choosing between the Canon EOS R and Canon EOS R8 with their respective lens combinations depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro if:

• You prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
• You want a versatile camera for various photography genres.
• You’re willing to invest in a more expensive setup.

Choose the Canon EOS R8 with the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM if:

• You’re looking for a compact and lightweight camera for travel.
• You need a versatile zoom lens for different situations.
• You’re on a tighter budget.

The Verdict: Which Reigns Supreme?

Both camera and lens combinations excel in their respective categories. The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro offers superior image quality, low-light performance, and versatility, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals. The Canon EOS R8 with the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM stands out as a compact and affordable option for everyday shooting, travel photography, and video recording. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Popular Questions

Q1: Can I use Canon EF lenses on the EOS R and EOS R8?
A: Yes, you can use Canon EF lenses on both cameras with an EF-EOS R adapter. However, you might lose some autofocus features and the benefits of the RF lens lineup.
Q2: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS R8 offers a higher frame rate for smoother slow-motion footage, making it slightly better for video recording. However, both cameras offer excellent video capabilities.
Q3: Is the Canon EOS R8 a good choice for beginners?
A: Yes, the Canon EOS R8 is an excellent camera for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, compact size, and versatile zoom lens.
Q4: What are the key differences between the EOS R and the EOS R5?
A: The Canon EOS R5 is a higher-end camera with a higher resolution sensor, 8K video recording, and advanced autofocus features. It’s a more professional-grade camera with a higher price tag.
Q5: Can I upgrade the lenses on these cameras later?
A: Yes, both cameras are compatible with the entire Canon RF lens lineup, allowing you to upgrade to different lenses as your photography needs evolve.