Shoot Like a Pro: Canon EOS R Canon RF 70-200mm F 4 L IS USM vs Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm F 1.2L USM Reviewed!

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the impressive array of options Canon offers. Two popular contenders for photographers seeking high-quality image capture are the Canon EOS R with RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM and the **Canon EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM**. This blog post will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each setup, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and photographic aspirations.

Understanding the Canon EOS R and EOS RP

Before exploring the lenses, let’s understand the core differences between the Canon EOS R and EOS RP. Both cameras are mirrorless full-frame models, but they cater to distinct audiences.
Canon EOS R:

• Full-frame sensor: Delivers exceptional image quality, low light performance, and dynamic range.
• Advanced autofocus system: Boasts 5,655 selectable autofocus points, providing exceptional subject tracking and focus accuracy.
• Weather sealing: Built to withstand challenging weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor photography.
• High-resolution electronic viewfinder: Offers a bright, clear, and detailed view for precise composition.
• 4K video recording at 30fps: Captures high-quality video footage with excellent image stabilization.

Canon EOS RP:

• Full-frame sensor: Provides high-quality images, though slightly less dynamic range than the EOS R.
• Simplified autofocus system: Offers 4779 selectable autofocus points, which is still impressive, but not as advanced as the EOS R.
• Weather sealing: Offers basic weather resistance, but not as robust as the EOS R.
• Lower resolution electronic viewfinder: While still good, it’s not as detailed as the EOS R’s viewfinder.
• 4K video recording at 25fps: Offers good video quality, but at a lower frame rate than the EOS R.

The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM: A Versatile Telephoto Zoom

The Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for a wide range of subjects, including wildlife, sports, portraits, and events.
Key Features:

• 70-200mm focal length: Provides a flexible range for capturing subjects at various distances.
• Constant f/4 aperture: Offers consistent brightness throughout the zoom range, allowing for shallow depth of field and controlled exposure.
• Image Stabilization (IS): Compensates for camera shake, ensuring sharp images even in low light or when shooting handheld.
• High-quality optics: Delivers exceptional image sharpness, clarity, and color rendition.
• Nano USM autofocus: Provides fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus performance.

Ideal for:

• Wildlife and sports photography: Capture distant subjects with clarity and detail.
• Events and concerts: Capture action and emotion without being too intrusive.
• Portraiture: Create stunning portraits with beautiful bokeh and shallow depth of field.

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

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a legendary prime lens renowned for its exceptional image quality, stunning bokeh, and exceptional low light performance.
Key Features:

• 85mm focal length: A classic portrait lens focal length, known for flattering perspectives and flattering subject details.
• Wide f/1.2 aperture: Allows for shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and isolating subjects from the background.
• Exceptional image quality: Renowned for its sharpness, detail, and color accuracy.
• Superb low light performance: Capture stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Nano USM autofocus: Provides fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus performance.

Ideal for:

• Portraiture: Capture stunning portraits with creamy bokeh and exceptional detail.
• Fashion and editorial photography: Create captivating images with dramatic lighting and shallow depth of field.
• Low light photography: Capture beautiful images in dimly lit environments.

Choosing the Right Setup for Your Needs

The best camera and lens combination depends on your individual needs and photographic style. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Canon EOS R with RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM:

• Ideal for: Wildlife, sports, events, and versatile photography.
• Pros: Versatile zoom range, excellent image quality, good low light performance, weather sealing, advanced autofocus.
• Cons: Larger and heavier than the EOS RP setup, less shallow depth of field than the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.

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

• Ideal for: Portraiture, fashion, and low light photography.
• Pros: Exceptional image quality, stunning bokeh, excellent low light performance, compact and lightweight.
• Cons: Fixed focal length, less versatile than the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, less weather sealing, less advanced autofocus.

Exploring the Advantages of Each Setup

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

• Versatility: The 70-200mm zoom range offers flexibility for capturing a wide range of subjects, from distant wildlife to portraits.
• Image Stabilization: The lens’s image stabilization feature is essential for capturing sharp images in low light or when shooting handheld.
• Weather Sealing: The EOS R’s weather sealing makes it suitable for outdoor photography in challenging conditions.
• Advanced Autofocus: The EOS R’s advanced autofocus system ensures accurate and reliable subject tracking, especially in fast-paced environments.

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

• Exceptional Image Quality: The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is renowned for its exceptional image quality, delivering stunning detail, sharp rendering, and beautiful bokeh.
• Low Light Performance: The wide aperture of f/1.2 allows for capturing stunning images in low light conditions, minimizing noise and maximizing detail.
• Compact and Lightweight: The EOS RP and RF 85mm f/1.2L USM combination is significantly more compact and portable than the EOS R and RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM setup, making it ideal for travel or everyday photography.
• Stunning Bokeh: The wide aperture and high-quality optics of the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM create beautiful, creamy bokeh, enhancing the subject and adding a touch of artistry to your images.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination for you depends on your specific needs and photographic style. If you prioritize versatility, image stabilization, and weather sealing, the Canon EOS R with RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is an excellent choice. For photographers focused on portraiture, low light photography, and exceptional image quality, the **Canon EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM** will deliver stunning results.
Both setups offer exceptional image quality and performance, but they cater to different photographic styles and priorities. Carefully consider your needs, budget, and photographic aspirations to make the best decision for your creative journey.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What is the difference between the Canon EOS R and EOS RP in terms of image quality?
A: The Canon EOS R has a slightly larger sensor and more advanced image processing, resulting in improved dynamic range, low light performance, and overall image quality compared to the EOS RP. However, both cameras deliver excellent image quality, especially in well-lit conditions.
Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
A: The RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is a better choice for wildlife photography due to its zoom range, image stabilization, and weather sealing. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a fixed focal length lens, making it less suitable for capturing distant subjects.
Q: Which setup is more budget-friendly?
A: The Canon EOS RP with RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is generally more budget-friendly than the Canon EOS R with RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM. However, both setups represent a significant investment in high-quality photography gear.
Q: Which setup is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS R offers better video recording capabilities with 4K resolution at 30fps and more advanced features like internal 10-bit recording. The EOS RP offers 4K resolution at 25fps, which is still good for most video needs.