Shoot Like a Pro: Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs Nikon D850 with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

Choosing the right camera and lens combo can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the impressive offerings from both Canon and Nikon. Today, we’ll delve into a head-to-head comparison of two popular setups: the Canon EOS R with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens against the Nikon D850 paired with the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine which combo best suits your photographic needs.

Canon EOS R & RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: A Versatile and Compact Option

The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera known for its excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and lightweight design. The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is a versatile prime lens that excels in low light, offers impressive sharpness, and boasts a unique macro capability.

Strengths:

• Lightweight and Compact: The EOS R is significantly smaller and lighter than the D850, making it ideal for travel and street photography. The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens further contributes to the compact nature of the setup.
• Excellent Image Quality: The EOS R delivers exceptional image quality with excellent dynamic range and low noise performance, even at high ISOs. The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens produces sharp and detailed images with beautiful bokeh.
• Fast and Accurate Autofocus: The EOS R’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. It excels in tracking moving subjects, making it suitable for wildlife and sports photography.
• In-body Image Stabilization: The EOS R offers 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low light conditions.
• Macro Capability: The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens provides a unique macro capability, allowing you to capture close-up details of insects, flowers, and other small subjects.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Zoom Range: The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens offers a fixed focal length, limiting your ability to zoom in or out.
• Smaller Battery Life: The EOS R has a smaller battery life compared to the D850, which might be a concern for photographers who shoot extensively in a single outing.

Nikon D850 & AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR: A Powerful and Versatile Workhorse

The Nikon D850 is a full-frame DSLR known for its high-resolution sensor, exceptional dynamic range, and robust build quality. The AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens is a versatile zoom lens that offers a wide focal range, excellent image stabilization, and a fast maximum aperture.

Strengths:

• High-resolution Sensor: The D850 boasts a 45.4MP sensor, delivering incredibly detailed images that are ideal for printing and cropping.
• Exceptional Dynamic Range: The D850 offers a wide dynamic range, allowing you to recover details in both highlights and shadows.
• Robust Build Quality: The D850 is a rugged and weather-sealed camera, making it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions.
• Versatile Zoom Lens: The AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens provides a wide focal range, covering everything from wide-angle shots to telephoto portraits.
• Excellent Image Stabilization: The lens features Nikon’s VR image stabilization, which effectively reduces camera shake and allows for sharper images, especially in low light.

Weaknesses:

• Bulky and Heavy: The D850 and the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens together create a larger and heavier setup, making it less portable than the Canon EOS R and RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro combo.
• Slower Autofocus: The D850’s autofocus system is not as fast as the EOS R’s, especially in low light conditions.
• Limited Macro Capability: The AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens does not offer macro capabilities.

Choosing the Right Combo: A Matter of Your Needs and Preferences

Both the Canon EOS R & RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Nikon D850 & AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR offer excellent image quality and unique features. The best choice for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize:

• Portability and compactness: The Canon EOS R & RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro combo is the clear winner. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it ideal for travel, street photography, and everyday use.
• Fast autofocus and low light performance: The Canon EOS R’s autofocus system and the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens’s wide aperture make it an excellent choice for capturing fast-moving subjects and shooting in low light.
• Macro photography: The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens offers a unique macro capability that allows you to capture close-up details of small subjects.

If you prioritize:

• High resolution and exceptional detail: The Nikon D850’s 45.4MP sensor delivers incredibly detailed images that are perfect for printing and cropping.
• Wide zoom range and versatility: The AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens offers a wide focal range, allowing you to capture a variety of subjects without having to change lenses.
• Robust build quality and weather sealing: The D850 is a rugged and weather-sealed camera, making it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions.

Beyond the Camera and Lens: Exploring Other Factors

While the camera and lens combo are crucial, other factors also play a significant role in your photographic journey. These include:

• Shooting style: Do you prefer shooting in manual mode or relying on automatic settings?
• Post-processing workflow: Do you prefer to edit your images extensively or keep them natural?
• Budget: How much are you willing to invest in a camera and lens combo?

The Verdict: No Single Winner, Only the Right Choice for You

Ultimately, there is no single “best” camera and lens combo. Both the Canon EOS R & RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Nikon D850 & AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR are excellent options, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The best choice for you depends on your individual needs, shooting style, and budget.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey of Photography

Choosing the right camera and lens combo is just the beginning of a fulfilling photographic journey. Experiment with different settings, explore new techniques, and most importantly, have fun! Embrace the learning process and let your creativity guide you. Remember, photography is more than just equipment; it’s about capturing moments, expressing emotions, and sharing your unique perspective with the world.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which camera system is better, Canon or Nikon?
A: Both Canon and Nikon offer excellent camera systems. The best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Canon is known for its fast autofocus and excellent image quality, while Nikon is renowned for its high-resolution sensors and robust build quality.
Q: Is the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens worth the price?
A: Yes, the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is a fantastic value for its price. It offers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a unique macro capability, all in a compact and lightweight package.
Q: Is the Nikon D850 still a good camera in 2023?
A: Yes, the Nikon D850 is still a fantastic camera in 2023. Its high-resolution sensor, exceptional dynamic range, and robust build quality make it a great choice for professional and enthusiast photographers.
Q: What are the best alternatives to the Canon EOS R and Nikon D850?
A: Some great alternatives to the Canon EOS R include the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon EOS R6. For Nikon, the Nikon Z7 II and the Nikon Z6 II are excellent options.
Q: Should I choose a mirrorless or DSLR camera?
A: The choice between a mirrorless and DSLR camera depends on your preferences. Mirrorless cameras are generally smaller and lighter, with faster autofocus and better video capabilities. DSLRs offer a wider lens selection and longer battery life.