Revolutionary Decision: Canon EOS R5 vs Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM – What’s Best for Your Photography?

The Canon EOS R5 is a powerhouse of a camera, but its true potential is unlocked by choosing the right lens. Two popular choices for this full-frame mirrorless marvel are the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the **Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM**. This blog post will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each lens, comparing their performance in various aspects to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

The Wide-Angle Wonder: RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is a versatile wide-angle zoom lens that excels in a variety of situations. Its impressive 15-35mm focal range covers everything from expansive landscapes to intimate portraits, making it an ideal choice for travel, architecture, and event photography.
Strengths:

• Exceptional Image Quality: The lens produces sharp, detailed images with minimal distortion, even at its widest aperture.
• Constant Aperture: The f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range allows for consistent exposure and shallow depth of field, making it perfect for low-light shooting and creating beautiful bokeh.
• Image Stabilization: The 5-stop image stabilization effectively reduces camera shake, allowing you to capture sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Fast and Silent Autofocus: The lens features a ring-type USM motor for quick and accurate autofocus, making it suitable for fast-paced action photography.
• Durable Construction: Built with weather-sealing and a robust design, the lens can withstand the rigors of professional use.

Weaknesses:

• Size and Weight: While not excessively bulky, the lens is larger and heavier than many other RF lenses, which might be a concern for some photographers.
• Price: As a high-performance L-series lens, it comes with a premium price tag.

The Portrait Master: RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM

The RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is a classic portrait lens that delivers stunning sharpness and beautiful bokeh. Its macro capabilities add another dimension, allowing you to capture intricate details of small objects.
Strengths:

• Exceptional Sharpness: Known for its remarkable sharpness, the lens produces incredibly detailed images, especially when stopped down.
• Beautiful Bokeh: The wide aperture and smooth lens elements create a creamy, pleasing bokeh that helps to isolate the subject and create a dreamy effect.
• Macro Capabilities: With a maximum magnification ratio of 0.5x, the lens allows you to get incredibly close to your subject, capturing stunning details of flowers, insects, and other small objects.
• Image Stabilization: The 5-stop image stabilization effectively reduces camera shake, ensuring sharp images even in low-light conditions.
• Lightweight and Compact: The lens is relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Focal Range: The fixed 85mm focal length limits your shooting options, making it less versatile than a zoom lens.
• Limited Focus Breathing: Some users have reported slight focus breathing, which can be noticeable during video recording.

Choosing the Right Lens: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To make an informed decision, let’s compare the two lenses across key features:
Focal Length: The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM offers a wide zoom range, while the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM provides a fixed focal length. This difference in focal length directly impacts the type of photography you can do. The wide-angle lens is ideal for landscapes, architecture, and events, while the telephoto lens excels in portraits, wildlife, and macro photography.
Aperture: Both lenses offer a maximum aperture of f/2.8, allowing for shallow depth of field and low-light shooting. However, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM maintains this aperture throughout the zoom range, ensuring consistent exposure and performance.
Image Stabilization: Both lenses offer 5-stop image stabilization, effectively reducing camera shake and allowing for sharp images even in low-light conditions.
Autofocus: Both lenses feature fast and accurate autofocus systems. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM utilizes a ring-type USM motor, while the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM employs a stepping motor. Both systems are reliable and efficient.
Size and Weight: The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is larger and heavier than the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM. This difference in size and weight might be a factor for photographers who prioritize portability.
Price: The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is priced higher than the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM. The price difference reflects the wider zoom range and more complex construction of the wide-angle lens.

Takeaways: The Verdict

The choice between the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the **Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM** depends on your individual needs and photographic style. If you require a versatile lens for a variety of subjects and shooting scenarios, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and macro capabilities, the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is the better option.
Ultimately, the best lens for you is the one that helps you capture the images you envision. Consider the types of photography you enjoy, the focal lengths you typically use, and your budget to make the right decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM suitable for video recording?
A1: Yes, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is a great choice for video recording. Its fast autofocus, image stabilization, and constant aperture make it ideal for capturing smooth, high-quality footage.
Q2: Can the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM be used for wildlife photography?
A2: While the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is primarily a portrait lens, it can be used for wildlife photography, especially for smaller subjects. Its sharp image quality and fast aperture are beneficial for capturing detailed images of birds and other animals.
Q3: Which lens is better for low-light photography?
A3: Both lenses offer excellent performance in low-light conditions due to their fast f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization. However, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM provides a wider focal range, which can be advantageous for capturing more light in challenging situations.
Q4: Is the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM weather-sealed?
A4: Yes, the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is weather-sealed, allowing you to shoot in challenging weather conditions without worrying about damage to your lens.
Q5: Does the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM have a focus ring?
A5: Yes, the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM features a focus ring, allowing for manual focus adjustments. This feature is particularly useful for photographers who prefer to control focus manually or for macro photography where precise focus is crucial.