Unveiling the Battle: Canon EOS R vs RP with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Choosing your first mirrorless camera and lens can be overwhelming, especially when considering the plethora of options available. Canon’s EOS R system offers two popular kits: the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. While both kits cater to different photographic styles, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for making an informed decision. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of each kit, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and ultimately helping you determine which one best suits your needs.

A Deeper Dive into the Canon EOS R & RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Kit

The Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize image quality, low-light performance, and versatility.
Features:

• Canon EOS R: A full-frame mirrorless camera boasting a 30.3MP CMOS sensor, 4K video recording at 30fps, and a robust autofocus system.
• RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: A versatile prime lens with a fast aperture, enabling shallow depth of field for stunning portraits and low-light photography. Its macro capabilities allow for close-up shots of subjects as small as 0.5x life-size.

Pros:

• Exceptional image quality: The 30.3MP sensor on the EOS R captures detailed images with excellent dynamic range and low noise.
• Fast aperture: The f/1.8 aperture of the RF 35mm lens allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light shooting, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and indoor events.
• Built-in image stabilization: The lens’s IS STM technology effectively reduces camera shake, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Macro capabilities: The lens’s macro functionality opens up possibilities for capturing intricate details of flowers, insects, and other small subjects.
• Compact and lightweight: The kit is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for everyday photography.

Cons:

• Fixed focal length: The 35mm lens offers a single focal length, requiring you to move closer or further away to adjust framing.
• Limited zoom range: The fixed focal length limits the versatility of the kit for scenarios requiring varying perspectives.

Exploring the Canon EOS RP & RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Kit

The Canon EOS RP with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a more affordable and versatile option, catering to photographers who need a wider range of focal lengths.
Features:

• Canon EOS RP: A full-frame mirrorless camera featuring a 26.2MP CMOS sensor, 4K video recording at 25fps, and a reliable autofocus system.
• RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM: A versatile zoom lens covering a wide range of focal lengths, making it suitable for various photography genres.

Pros:

• Versatile focal length range: The 24-105mm zoom lens offers flexibility for capturing a wide array of subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
• Affordable price: This kit is generally more budget-friendly compared to the EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro kit.
• Lightweight and compact: Similar to the EOS R kit, the EOS RP kit is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
• Image stabilization: The lens incorporates image stabilization, ensuring sharp images, especially when shooting handheld.

Cons:

• Slower aperture: The f/4-7.1 aperture of the zoom lens limits its low-light performance compared to the RF 35mm f/1.8 lens.
• Lower image resolution: The EOS RP boasts a 26.2MP sensor, slightly lower than the EOS R’s 30.3MP sensor, resulting in less detail in images.
• Limited macro capabilities: The zoom lens lacks the macro functionality of the RF 35mm f/1.8 lens.

Choosing the Right Kit for Your Needs

The best kit for you ultimately depends on your individual photography goals and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Canon EOS R & RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro kit if:

• You prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
• You enjoy capturing portraits, street photography, or low-light events.
• You want to explore macro photography.
• You’re willing to sacrifice zoom flexibility for a fast aperture and excellent image quality.

Choose the Canon EOS RP & RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM kit if:

• You need a versatile zoom lens for a wide range of photography genres.
• You’re looking for a more affordable full-frame mirrorless kit.
• You prioritize convenience and portability.
• You’re comfortable with a slightly slower aperture and lower resolution.

Additional Considerations

• Video capabilities: The EOS R offers 4K video recording at 30fps, while the EOS RP records at 25fps.
• Autofocus performance: Both cameras feature reliable autofocus systems, but the EOS R’s system is generally considered slightly faster and more accurate.
• Body size and weight: The EOS R is slightly larger and heavier than the EOS RP.
• Price: The EOS R kit is generally more expensive than the EOS RP kit.

Beyond the Kits: Exploring Other Options

While these two kits offer excellent starting points, the Canon EOS system provides a wide range of lens options to suit various photographic styles and budgets. Consider exploring:

• Prime lenses: For exceptional image quality and shallow depth of field, consider other prime lenses like the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM or the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM.
• Zoom lenses: For more versatility, explore zoom lenses like the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM or the RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.
• Specialty lenses: Canon offers specialty lenses for specific genres, such as the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM for wildlife photography or the RF 24mm f/1.8 IS STM for wide-angle shots.

A Final Thought: Embrace Your Photographic Journey

Choosing the right camera and lens is only the first step in your photographic journey. Experiment with different settings, explore diverse genres, and most importantly, have fun! The Canon EOS R system offers a wealth of options to help you capture your vision and express your creativity.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is the difference between the Canon EOS R and the Canon EOS RP?
A: The Canon EOS R is a more advanced and feature-rich camera with a 30.3MP sensor, faster autofocus, and 4K video recording at 30fps. The Canon EOS RP is a more affordable option with a 26.2MP sensor, 4K video recording at 25fps, and a slightly smaller body.
Q: Are the lenses included in the kits compatible with both cameras?
A: Yes, the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lenses are compatible with both the Canon EOS R and the Canon EOS RP.
Q: Which kit is better for beginners?
A: Both kits are suitable for beginners. The EOS RP kit with the 24-105mm zoom lens offers more versatility for learning different types of photography, while the EOS R kit with the 35mm lens provides exceptional image quality and low-light capabilities.
Q: Can I upgrade lenses later?
A: Absolutely! The Canon EOS R system offers a wide range of lenses, allowing you to upgrade and expand your kit as your photography skills and needs evolve.