Canon EOS R5 vs RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM vs RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: The Ultimate Camera Showdown

Choosing the right lens for your Canon EOS R5 can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the diverse range of options available. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. Both lenses offer exceptional image quality and performance, but they cater to different shooting styles and photographic needs. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two lenses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

Understanding the Differences: Wide-Angle vs. Portrait Prime

The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is a wide-angle zoom lens, offering a versatile focal range from 15mm to 35mm. This makes it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, architectural shots, and dynamic compositions. On the other hand, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 85mm. This lens excels in portrait photography, delivering stunning bokeh and shallow depth of field effects that isolate the subject and create a dreamy background.

Image Quality: Sharpness, Detail, and Bokeh

Both lenses are renowned for their exceptional image quality, but they achieve it through different means. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM delivers sharp and detailed images across the entire zoom range. Its fast f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and allows for shallow depth of field effects, especially at the wider end of the zoom.
The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, being a prime lens, boasts even sharper images and exceptional detail. Its wider maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows for even shallower depth of field and creates incredibly smooth and creamy bokeh, making it a favorite for portrait photographers.

Versatility and Focal Length: Wide-Angle vs. Portrait

The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM offers unparalleled versatility due to its zoom range. This lens can handle a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes and architecture to street photography and even some portrait work. Its zoom capability allows you to adjust the perspective and composition on the fly without having to physically move.
The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, with its fixed focal length, is a more specialized lens. While it might seem limiting at first, its 85mm focal length is considered the “portrait lens” for a reason. It provides a flattering perspective for portraits, capturing the subject’s natural features with minimal distortion.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both lenses feature Canon’s renowned autofocus system, delivering fast and accurate performance. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM utilizes a ring-type USM motor, ensuring swift and silent autofocus, making it suitable for both stills and video.
The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, with its advanced autofocus technology, offers even faster and more precise focusing. Its ability to lock onto subjects quickly and accurately is a significant advantage for capturing fleeting moments and moving subjects.

Size and Weight: Portability vs. Performance

The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, being a zoom lens, is naturally larger and heavier than the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. While its size and weight might be a concern for some photographers, its versatility and image quality make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize functionality over portability.
The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, on the other hand, is significantly smaller and lighter. Its compact size makes it a perfect choice for photographers who prioritize portability and want a lens that can easily be carried around all day.

Image Stabilization: A Game-Changer for Handheld Shots

The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM features Canon‘s image stabilization system, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld. This feature is particularly beneficial for wide-angle photography, where even slight camera movement can result in blurry images.
The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, being a prime lens, does not have image stabilization. However, its fast aperture and advanced autofocus system help to compensate for any camera shake, especially in well-lit environments.

Price and Value: Balancing Features and Budget

The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are both premium lenses, reflecting their exceptional image quality and performance. However, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is generally more affordable than the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.
While the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a significant investment, its exceptional bokeh and shallow depth of field effects make it a highly sought-after lens for photographers who specialize in portraiture. On the other hand, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM offers a more versatile and budget-friendly option for those who need a wide-angle lens for a variety of shooting scenarios.

Choosing the Right Lens: Your Photographic Style Matters

Ultimately, the choice between the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM depends on your specific photographic style and needs. If you are a landscape, architecture, or street photographer who values versatility and wide-angle perspectives, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is an excellent choice.
If you are a portrait photographer who prioritizes exceptional bokeh and shallow depth of field effects, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is the lens for you. Its ability to isolate subjects and create dreamy backgrounds is unmatched.

Beyond the Lens: Exploring Other Options

While the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are excellent choices, they are not the only options available. Canon offers a wide range of lenses for the EOS R5, each with its unique characteristics and strengths.
For those seeking a versatile zoom lens with a wider focal range, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a popular choice. It offers exceptional image quality and performance across its entire zoom range, making it suitable for a variety of subjects.
If you are looking for a more compact and lightweight option, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is an excellent choice. It offers a versatile zoom range and excellent image quality, making it a great all-around lens.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Canon EOS R5

Choosing the right lens for your Canon EOS R5 is a crucial decision that will significantly impact your photography. By carefully considering your photographic style, shooting needs, and budget, you can make an informed choice that will help you capture stunning images.
The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM are both exceptional lenses, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM offers versatility and wide-angle perspectives, while the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM excels in portrait photography.
Ultimately, the best lens for you is the one that best suits your individual needs and creative vision.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which lens is better for landscape photography?
A: The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is a better choice for landscape photography due to its wide-angle perspective and versatile zoom range.
Q: Which lens is better for portrait photography?
A: The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is the preferred lens for portrait photography because of its exceptional bokeh, shallow depth of field, and flattering perspective.
Q: Which lens is more affordable?
A: The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is generally more affordable than the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.
Q: Does the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM have image stabilization?
A: Yes, the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM features Canon‘s image stabilization system.
Q: Does the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM have image stabilization?
A: No, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM does not have image stabilization.