Breaking Down the Best: Canon EOS R Canon RF 35mm f1.8 IS STM Macro vs. Sony Alpha 7 IV Sony FE 50mm f1.8 – Which One Wins the Photography Showdown?

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular and capable systems like Canon EOS R and Sony Alpha 7. Both offer excellent image quality, autofocus performance, and a wide range of lenses. But when it comes to the Canon EOS R paired with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Sony Alpha 7 IV with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, which one emerges as the winner?
This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two camera and lens pairings, exploring their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Body Showdown: Canon EOS R vs Sony Alpha 7 IV

Both the Canon EOS R and the Sony Alpha 7 IV are full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering excellent image quality and performance. However, they differ in some key aspects:
Canon EOS R:

• Pros:
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Excellent image quality with good dynamic range.
• 4K video recording at 30fps.
• Built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF).
• Affordable price point.

• Cons:
• Limited autofocus performance compared to newer models.
• No in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
• No 4K video recording at 60fps.

Sony Alpha 7 IV:

• Pros:
• Advanced autofocus system with real-time tracking.
• Excellent 4K video recording at up to 60fps.
• In-body image stabilization (IBIS).
• Improved ergonomics and controls.
• Higher resolution sensor.

• Cons:
• Larger and heavier than the Canon EOS R.
• More expensive than the Canon EOS R.

Lens Showdown: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

Both lenses are excellent choices for everyday photography and offer a fast aperture for shallow depth of field effects. However, they have distinct characteristics:
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro:

• Pros:
• Macro capabilities for close-up photography.
• Image stabilization for sharper handheld shots.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Affordable price point.

• Cons:
• Not as sharp as some other Canon RF lenses.
• Limited autofocus performance for fast-moving subjects.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8:

• Pros:
• Exceptionally sharp image quality.
• Fast and accurate autofocus performance.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Affordable price point.

• Cons:
• No image stabilization.
• Not ideal for macro photography.

Image Quality: A Detailed Look

Both the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Sony Alpha 7 IV with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 produce excellent image quality, delivering sharp details, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range.

• Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: The Canon EOS R delivers good image quality with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a solid lens, but it’s not the sharpest in the Canon RF lineup. However, it performs well in most situations and offers a good balance of sharpness, contrast, and bokeh.
• Sony Alpha 7 IV with Sony FE 50mm f/1.8: The Sony Alpha 7 IV boasts a higher resolution sensor, resulting in even sharper images with greater detail. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is known for its exceptional sharpness and contrast, making it an excellent choice for landscape, portrait, and street photography.

Autofocus Performance: A Speed Test

Autofocus performance is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects and ensuring sharp images.

• Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: The Canon EOS R’s autofocus is decent but not as advanced as the Sony Alpha 7 IV. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro has a stepping motor (STM) that provides smooth and quiet autofocus, but it can struggle with fast-moving subjects.
• Sony Alpha 7 IV with Sony FE 50mm f/1.8: The Sony Alpha 7 IV’s autofocus is a standout feature, thanks to its advanced real-time tracking system. It excels at tracking moving subjects, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 complements this with its fast and accurate autofocus, making it a formidable combination for capturing action.

Video Capabilities: A Cinematic Comparison

Both camera systems offer 4K video recording capabilities, but their features and performance differ:

• Canon EOS R with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro: The Canon EOS R can record 4K video at 30fps, with good image quality and color. However, it lacks 4K video recording at 60fps, which is a limitation for some videographers.
• Sony Alpha 7 IV with Sony FE 50mm f/1.8: The Sony Alpha 7 IV offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps, making it a more versatile option for videographers. It also features advanced video recording features like S-Log profiles for greater color grading flexibility and internal 10-bit recording for better image quality.

Ergonomics and Features: A Hands-on Experience

Both cameras offer comfortable ergonomics and a range of features, but their design philosophies differ:

• Canon EOS R: The Canon EOS R is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It has a comfortable grip and a well-designed button layout.
• Sony Alpha 7 IV: The Sony Alpha 7 IV is larger and heavier than the Canon EOS R, but it offers more advanced controls and a more customizable button layout. It also features a tilting touchscreen for easier viewing and navigation.

The Verdict: Which System Is Right for You?

The choice between the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro and the Sony Alpha 7 IV with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro if:

• You prioritize a compact and lightweight setup.
• You need macro capabilities for close-up photography.
• You’re on a tighter budget.

Choose the Sony Alpha 7 IV with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if:

• You need advanced autofocus performance for fast-moving subjects.
• You prioritize 4K video recording at 60fps.
• You value a larger and more customizable camera body.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Specs

While the specs and features are important, it’s also essential to consider your personal shooting style and the type of photography you enjoy. The Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is a great choice for photographers who value portability and versatility, while the Sony Alpha 7 IV with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is better suited for those who prioritize autofocus performance, video capabilities, and a more advanced camera body.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both systems out and see which one feels more comfortable and intuitive for you.

Popular Questions

Q: What is the difference in the price between the two camera and lens combinations?
A: The Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro is generally more affordable than the Sony Alpha 7 IV with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8.
Q: Which camera has better low light performance?
A: The Sony Alpha 7 IV generally performs better in low light due to its higher resolution sensor and more advanced noise reduction algorithms.
Q: Which lens is better for portrait photography?
A: Both lenses are capable of producing beautiful portraits. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro offers a wider field of view, while the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is known for its exceptional sharpness and bokeh.
Q: Which camera system has a wider lens selection?
A: Sony has a wider and more established lens ecosystem than Canon’s RF system, offering a greater variety of lenses to choose from.
Q: Which system is better for beginners?
A: Both systems are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. However, the Canon EOS R might be a slightly better option for beginners due to its simpler menu system and more affordable price point.