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Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM vs. RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: A Battle of the Lenses

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.
  • The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera that packs a punch in terms of performance and features.
  • The Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens, while the Canon RF 85mm f/1.

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the impressive lineup offered by Canon. Today, we’ll delve into a captivating comparison between two powerhouse duos: the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens. Both setups are designed for exceptional image quality, but each excels in different areas, catering to specific photographic styles and needs.

The Canon EOS R with Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM: A Versatile Workhorse

The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera that packs a punch in terms of performance and features. It’s a great choice for photographers who are looking for a camera that is both versatile and affordable. When paired with the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM lens, this combination becomes a true workhorse for a variety of genres.

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM: A Telephoto Master

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that offers excellent image quality and performance. Its impressive features include:

  • Sharpness and Clarity: The lens delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity throughout the entire zoom range, making it ideal for capturing detailed images of distant subjects.
  • Image Stabilization: The lens boasts a 5-stop image stabilization system, which helps to minimize camera shake and allows you to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds.
  • Fast and Silent Autofocus: The lens features a powerful autofocus system that is both fast and silent, making it perfect for capturing fleeting moments.
  • Weather Sealing: The lens is weather-sealed, which means that it can withstand the elements and is suitable for use in challenging conditions.

This lens is perfect for wildlife photography, sports photography, and portraiture. Its versatility allows you to capture a wide range of subjects with ease.

The Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: A Portrait Masterpiece

The Canon EOS R5 is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera that sets a new standard for image quality and performance. It is a powerful tool for photographers who demand the best in image quality and versatility. When paired with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens, this combination becomes a portrait photographer‘s dream.

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

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a premium portrait lens known for its exceptional image quality and stunning bokeh. Its key features include:

  • Exceptional Bokeh: The lens’s wide aperture (f/1.2) creates dreamy, creamy bokeh that beautifully isolates subjects from their backgrounds.
  • Superb Image Quality: The lens produces sharp, detailed images with excellent color rendition and contrast.
  • Fast and Accurate Autofocus: The lens features a fast and accurate autofocus system that ensures you capture sharp images, even in low light.
  • Weather Sealing: Like the 70-200mm lens, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is also weather-sealed, making it reliable in challenging environments.

This lens is specifically designed for portraiture, offering a classic focal length that flatters subjects and creates beautiful, professional-looking images.

Comparing the Two: Canon EOS R vs Canon EOS R5

So, how do these two camera and lens combinations compare? Let’s break it down:
Resolution and Image Quality: The Canon EOS R5 has a higher resolution sensor (45MP) compared to the Canon EOS R (30.3MP), resulting in greater detail and larger prints.
Autofocus Performance: Both cameras boast impressive autofocus systems, but the Canon EOS R5 takes the lead with its advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, offering faster and more accurate autofocus, especially for tracking moving subjects.
Video Capabilities: The Canon EOS R5 is a video powerhouse, offering 8K video recording, high frame rates, and advanced features like internal RAW recording. The Canon EOS R can also record high-quality video, but lacks the advanced capabilities of the R5.
Lens Choice: The Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens, while the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a specialized portrait lens. The choice depends on your photographic needs and preferences.
Price: The Canon EOS R is more affordable than the Canon EOS R5, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious photographers.

In a nutshell: Finding the Perfect Fit

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination for you depends on your individual needs and photographic style.
If you’re looking for a versatile camera and lens combo that can handle a wide range of subjects, the Canon EOS R with the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM is a solid choice. Its excellent image quality, 5-stop image stabilization, and versatile focal length make it a reliable companion for photographers of all levels.
However, if you prioritize portraiture and want the best possible image quality with stunning bokeh, the Canon EOS R5 with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is the perfect match. Its advanced features, exceptional image quality, and dedicated portrait lens make it a dream for portrait photographers.

Q: What is the difference between the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM and the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
A: The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a faster lens with a wider aperture, offering shallower depth of field and better low-light performance. However, it is also considerably larger, heavier, and more expensive than the f/4 version.
Q: Can I use the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM on the Canon EOS R5?
A: Yes, you can use the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM on the Canon EOS R5. Both cameras use the same RF lens mount.
Q: Is the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM suitable for other types of photography besides portraits?
A: While the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is primarily designed for portraiture, it can also be used for other genres like street photography, landscape photography, and even low-light photography due to its fast aperture and exceptional image quality.
Q: What are the advantages of using a mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS R or Canon EOS R5?
A: Mirrorless cameras offer several advantages over traditional DSLRs, including:

  • Smaller and Lighter: Mirrorless cameras are typically smaller and lighter than DSLRs, making them more portable.
  • Live View: Mirrorless cameras offer live view functionality, which allows you to see exactly what the camera sees through the electronic viewfinder.
  • Faster Autofocus: Mirrorless cameras often have faster and more accurate autofocus systems than DSLRs.
  • Advanced Features: Mirrorless cameras are often packed with advanced features like 4K video recording, in-body image stabilization, and more.
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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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