Unveiled: Exclusive Insights into Canon EOS R vs Canon EOS R5 with RF 50mm and RF 85mm Lenses – You Won’t Believe the Difference!

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when navigating the world of Canon’s EOS R system. Two popular choices often come up: the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens and the Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens. Both offer distinct strengths and cater to different photographic styles. This detailed comparison aims to break down the key differences and help you determine which setup best suits your needs.

Camera Body: EOS R vs EOS R5

The first major decision involves the camera body. The Canon EOS R, released in 2018, was Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera. It features a 30.3MP full-frame sensor, 4K video recording at 30fps, and a solid autofocus system. The Canon EOS R5, released in 2020, is a significant upgrade, boasting a 45MP full-frame sensor, 8K video recording at 30fps, and a vastly improved autofocus system with eye-detection and animal tracking.
Key Differences:

• Resolution: EOS R5 (45MP) offers higher resolution than EOS R (30.3MP), ideal for large prints and cropping.
• Video: EOS R5 supports 8K video recording at 30fps, while EOS R is limited to 4K at 30fps.
• Autofocus: EOS R5 features a more advanced autofocus system with eye-detection and animal tracking, making it superior for tracking subjects in motion.
• Price: EOS R5 is significantly more expensive than EOS R.

Lens Choice: RF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

The choice of lens further influences the overall shooting experience. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a versatile and affordable standard prime lens, while the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a specialized portrait lens with macro capabilities.
Key Differences:

• Focal Length: 50mm is a standard focal length suited for various subjects, while 85mm is a classic portrait length offering flattering compression.
• Aperture: Both lenses offer a wide maximum aperture (f/1.8 and f/2 respectively) for shallow depth of field, but the 85mm lens is slightly brighter.
• Macro Capabilities: The 85mm lens is a macro lens, allowing for close-up photography with a maximum magnification of 1:2.
• Image Stabilization: The 85mm lens features image stabilization, helpful for handheld shooting and low-light photography.
• Price: The 50mm f/1.8 STM is significantly more affordable than the 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM.

EOS R + RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: A Versatile and Budget-Friendly Combination

The Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a popular choice for photographers seeking a versatile and affordable setup. The 50mm focal length is ideal for everyday photography, capturing landscapes, portraits, street scenes, and more. The wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh effects.
Advantages:

• Affordability: The combination is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent entry point into the Canon EOS R system.
• Versatility: The 50mm focal length is a great all-rounder, suitable for various photographic genres.
• Lightweight and Compact: The combination is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Resolution: The EOS R’s 30.3MP sensor is lower resolution compared to the EOS R5.
• No Image Stabilization: The 50mm f/1.8 STM lens lacks image stabilization, making handheld shooting in low light challenging.
• Limited Video Capabilities: The EOS R’s video capabilities are limited compared to the EOS R5.

EOS R5 + RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM: A High-End Portrait and Macro Setup

The Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is a powerful combination for photographers who prioritize portraiture and macro photography. The 85mm focal length is renowned for its flattering compression and ability to isolate subjects. The macro capabilities allow for stunning close-up shots, revealing intricate details.
Advantages:

• High Resolution: The EOS R5’s 45MP sensor delivers exceptional detail and sharpness, ideal for large prints and cropping.
• Advanced Autofocus: The EOS R5’s autofocus system with eye-detection and animal tracking is perfect for capturing sharp portraits.
• Image Stabilization: The 85mm lens’s image stabilization is invaluable for handheld shooting and low-light photography.
• Excellent Video Capabilities: The EOS R5’s 8K video recording capabilities make it a top choice for videographers.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: The combination is significantly more expensive than the EOS R + 50mm f/1.8 STM setup.
• Specialized Focal Length: The 85mm focal length is less versatile than the 50mm, limiting its use for other genres like landscapes or street photography.

Choosing the Right Setup: Your Needs and Preferences

The best camera and lens combination ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, the EOS R + 50mm f/1.8 STM setup is a great value option.
• Resolution and Video: If you prioritize high resolution and advanced video capabilities, the EOS R5 + 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM setup is the way to go.
• Portrait Photography: For portraiture, the EOS R5 + 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM setup is superior due to its flattering focal length and advanced autofocus system.
• Macro Photography: If you’re interested in macro photography, the 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is essential for capturing close-up details.
• Versatility: If you need a versatile setup for various photographic genres, the EOS R + 50mm f/1.8 STM combination is more suitable.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Options

While the EOS R + 50mm f/1.8 STM and EOS R5 + 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM setups are popular choices, Canon offers a wide range of cameras and lenses within its EOS R system. You can explore other options based on your specific needs, such as:

• Canon EOS RP: A more affordable full-frame mirrorless camera with a 26.2MP sensor.
• Canon EOS R6: A high-performance full-frame mirrorless camera with 20MP sensor and 4K video recording at 60fps.
• Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM: A versatile zoom lens covering a wide range of focal lengths.
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM: A compact and versatile prime lens with macro capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Fit

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and photographic style. Whether you choose the versatile EOS R + 50mm f/1.8 STM setup or the high-end EOS R5 + 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM combination, both offer excellent image quality and performance. By carefully considering your priorities and exploring the options available within the Canon EOS R system, you can find the perfect fit for your photographic journey.

Questions You May Have

Q: Should I upgrade from the Canon EOS R to the Canon EOS R5?
A: If you prioritize high resolution, 8K video recording, advanced autofocus, and image stabilization, upgrading to the EOS R5 is a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re satisfied with the EOS R’s performance and don’t require these features, sticking with the EOS R is a budget-friendly option.
Q: Is the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens worth the price?
A: The RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is a premium lens that delivers exceptional image quality, macro capabilities, and image stabilization. It’s a worthwhile investment for photographers who prioritize portraiture and close-up photography. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a more affordable alternative.
Q: What are the main differences between the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens?
A: The RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is a professional-grade lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.2), faster autofocus, and superior build quality. However, it’s significantly more expensive than the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a more affordable option that still delivers excellent image quality for everyday photography.
Q: Is it possible to use the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens on the Canon EOS R?
A: Yes, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens is compatible with the Canon EOS R and all other Canon EOS R series cameras.
Q: What are some alternative lenses for the Canon EOS R and EOS R5?
A: Canon offers a wide range of RF lenses for its EOS R system. Some popular alternatives include:

• Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM: A versatile zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8.
• Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM: A telephoto zoom lens ideal for wildlife and sports photography.
• Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM: A wide-angle zoom lens perfect for landscapes and architecture.