Revolutionize Your Photography: Comparing Canon EOS R with RF 50mm f/1.8 STM to EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Choosing the perfect camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when navigating the world of Canon’s mirrorless offerings. The Canon EOS R with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon EOS RP with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are both fantastic choices, but they cater to different photographic styles and needs. This blog post will delve into the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of each setup to help you make an informed decision.

The Powerhouse: Canon EOS R with RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Canon EOS R is Canon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, offering a robust feature set and excellent image quality. Paired with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, it becomes a versatile and affordable option for photographers of all levels.

The EOS R: A Flagship Performer

The EOS R boasts a 30.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional detail and dynamic range. Its powerful DIGIC 8 image processor ensures rapid processing and high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. The camera features a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, providing up to 5 stops of shake reduction, making it ideal for capturing sharp images in challenging situations.
Key Features:

• 30.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor: Exceptional detail and dynamic range.
• DIGIC 8 Image Processor: Rapid processing and high-quality images.
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization: Up to 5 stops of shake reduction.
• 4K Video Recording at 30fps: Excellent video capabilities.
• Electronic Viewfinder: High-resolution and responsive.
• Touchscreen LCD: Intuitive and user-friendly.

The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: A Versatile Companion

The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact and affordable standard prime lens designed for the EOS R system. Its fast aperture allows for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for portraiture, street photography, and low-light shooting. The lens features a stepping motor for near-silent autofocus, making it perfect for videography.
Key Features:

• Fast f/1.8 Aperture: Shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.
• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and use.
• Stepping Motor for Silent Autofocus: Ideal for video recording.
• Sharp Image Quality: Excellent detail and contrast.
• Affordable Price: Makes it an accessible option.

The Budget-Friendly Option: Canon EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

The Canon EOS RP is a more affordable entry point into the world of full-frame mirrorless photography. Paired with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, it becomes a powerful tool for portrait photographers and those seeking exceptional image quality.

The EOS RP: A Compact and Capable Full-Frame

The EOS RP features a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering high-quality images with excellent detail. It utilizes the DIGIC 8 image processor, providing fast processing and impressive low-light performance. While it lacks the in-body image stabilization of the EOS R, it offers a compact and lightweight design, making it a great choice for travel photography.
Key Features:

• 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor: Excellent detail and dynamic range.
• DIGIC 8 Image Processor: Rapid processing and high-quality images.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Portable and easy to use.
• 4K Video Recording at 25/30fps: Good video capabilities.
• Electronic Viewfinder: High-resolution and responsive.
• Touchscreen LCD: Intuitive and user-friendly.

The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: A Portrait Masterpiece

The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a professional-grade portrait lens known for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and fast aperture. Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field, isolating subjects and creating stunning portraits. The lens features a ring-type USM motor for fast and silent autofocus, making it ideal for both stills and video.
Key Features:

• Fast f/1.2 Aperture: Shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh.
• Exceptional Sharpness: Produces incredibly detailed images.
• Ring-Type USM Motor: Fast and silent autofocus.
• Professional Build Quality: Durable and weather-sealed.
• High Price: A premium lens with a premium price tag.

Choosing the Right Setup: A Detailed Comparison

Now, let’s compare the two setups head-to-head to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Image Quality: Both setups offer excellent image quality. The EOS R has a slight edge in resolution with its 30.3MP sensor, but the EOS RP delivers impressive results with its 26.2MP sensor. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is known for its exceptional sharpness, while the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM provides a good balance of sharpness and affordability.
Autofocus Performance: The EOS R has a superior autofocus system with 4779 selectable autofocus points, making it incredibly fast and accurate. The EOS RP also boasts a reliable autofocus system, but it has fewer autofocus points. Both lenses feature fast and silent autofocus, making them suitable for both stills and video.
Video Capabilities: Both cameras offer 4K video recording, but the EOS R has a higher frame rate of 30fps compared to the EOS RP‘s 25/30fps. The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is ideal for videography with its silent autofocus, while the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM delivers stunning image quality for video projects.
Price: The EOS R with the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a more affordable option compared to the EOS RP with the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a premium lens with a premium price tag.
Portability: The EOS RP is noticeably smaller and lighter than the EOS R, making it a more portable option. The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is also compact and lightweight, making the entire setup easy to carry.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon EOS R with RF 50mm f/1.8 STM if:

• You need the best image quality and autofocus performance.
• You prioritize affordability and versatility.
• You want a lightweight and compact setup.
• You’re comfortable with a standard 50mm focal length.

Choose the Canon EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM if:

• You’re a portrait photographer seeking exceptional image quality and bokeh.
• You prioritize a compact and lightweight full-frame camera.
• You’re willing to invest in a premium lens.
• You’re comfortable with a longer 85mm focal length.

A Final Thought: Beyond the Gear

Remember, the best camera is the one you use most often. Don’t get caught up in the specs and features; choose the setup that inspires you to capture your vision. Experiment with different lenses and explore your creative potential.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Can I use the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM on the EOS R?
A: Yes, you can use the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM on the EOS R. Canon’s RF lenses are compatible with all EOS R series cameras.
Q: Is the EOS RP weather-sealed?
A: No, the EOS RP is not weather-sealed. The EOS R, on the other hand, is weather-sealed, making it more durable for outdoor shooting.
Q: What other lenses are compatible with the EOS R and EOS RP?
A: Both cameras are compatible with a wide range of Canon RF lenses, including prime lenses, zoom lenses, and macro lenses. You can find a comprehensive list of compatible lenses on Canon’s website.
Q: Is there a significant difference in video quality between the EOS R and EOS RP?
A: While both cameras offer 4K video recording, the EOS R has a slightly higher frame rate at 30fps compared to the EOS RP’s 25/30fps. The EOS R also has a dedicated movie button, making it more convenient for videographers.