The Ultimate Canon Showdown: EOS R5 vs. EOS R7 and RF 15-35mm vs. RF-S 18-45mm – Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the perfect camera and lens combo can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a variety of options. Two popular choices among photographers are the Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the **Canon EOS R7 Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM**. While both offer impressive features, they cater to different needs and preferences. This blog post will delve into the key differences between these two setups, helping you determine which one is the ideal companion for your photographic journey.

Body: The Heart of Your Photography

The Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R7 are both mirrorless cameras with distinct features and capabilities.
Canon EOS R5: This full-frame powerhouse boasts a 45-megapixel sensor, capable of capturing stunningly detailed images with exceptional dynamic range. Its 8K video recording capabilities, along with its advanced autofocus system, make it a top choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts.
Canon EOS R7: This APS-C camera offers a more compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography. Its 32.5-megapixel sensor delivers impressive image quality, while its powerful autofocus system and 4K video recording capabilities make it a versatile option for capturing both stills and videos.

Lens: The Eye of Your Camera

The lenses paired with these cameras offer unique focal lengths and aperture ranges, catering to different photographic styles.
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: This wide-angle zoom lens is a professional-grade optic designed for the full-frame EOS R system. Its constant f/2.8 aperture allows for exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field, making it ideal for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography.
Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: This versatile kit lens is designed specifically for the APS-C EOS R system. It offers a standard zoom range, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, and everyday photography. Its image stabilization and STM autofocus ensure sharp images and smooth video recording.

Image Quality: Capturing the Moment

The image quality produced by these two setups varies due to the different sensor sizes and lens specifications.
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: The full-frame sensor of the EOS R5 coupled with the high-quality RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens delivers exceptional image quality with rich detail, vibrant colors, and excellent dynamic range. The wide aperture allows for beautiful bokeh effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your images.
Canon EOS R7 Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: The APS-C sensor of the EOS R7, combined with the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, produces high-resolution images with excellent sharpness and color accuracy. While the smaller sensor size might limit low-light performance compared to the full-frame setup, the lens’s image stabilization compensates for this to a certain extent.

Autofocus: Locking in the Action

Both cameras boast advanced autofocus systems, but their performance varies due to the different sensor sizes and lens technologies.
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: The EOS R5 features a state-of-the-art autofocus system with 1053 selectable autofocus points, covering almost the entire sensor area. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is equipped with a Nano USM motor, enabling fast and precise autofocus, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Canon EOS R7 Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: The EOS R7 also boasts a powerful autofocus system with 651 autofocus points, covering a wide area of the sensor. The RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens uses a stepping motor (STM) for quiet and smooth autofocus, making it suitable for video recording and capturing still subjects.

Video Capabilities: Telling Your Story

Both cameras offer impressive video recording capabilities, but their features and performance vary.
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: The EOS R5 is a video powerhouse, capable of recording 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at up to 120fps. Its internal recording capabilities and advanced features like Canon Log and HDR-PQ make it a top choice for filmmakers and videographers. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens‘s constant aperture and smooth autofocus ensure professional-quality video footage.
Canon EOS R7 Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: The EOS R7 offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps and 1080p video at up to 120fps. Its lightweight design and compact lens make it a convenient option for capturing everyday moments and travel videos. The RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens provides smooth and quiet autofocus, making it suitable for recording video with minimal noise.

Size and Weight: Portability and Convenience

The size and weight of these camera and lens combos significantly impact their portability and ease of use.
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: The EOS R5 is a full-frame camera with a larger body and heavier weight compared to the EOS R7. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is also a professional-grade optic, adding to the overall size and weight of the setup. While this setup offers exceptional performance, it might not be the most convenient for travel or everyday photography.
Canon EOS R7 Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: The EOS R7 is a compact and lightweight APS-C camera, making it highly portable and comfortable to use. The RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is also relatively small and light, further enhancing the setup’s portability. This combination is ideal for photographers who prioritize convenience and ease of use.

Price: Finding the Right Value

The price of these camera and lens combos is a crucial factor to consider, especially when budgeting for your photography gear.
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM: The EOS R5 and RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens represent a significant investment, reflecting their professional-grade features and capabilities. While this setup offers exceptional performance, it comes at a higher price point compared to the EOS R7 and RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM.
Canon EOS R7 Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: The EOS R7 and RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offer a more affordable alternative, making it a great option for photographers on a budget. While this setup might not offer the same level of performance as the EOS R5 and RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, it still delivers impressive image quality and video capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Match

Choosing between the Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and the **Canon EOS R7 Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM** depends on your individual needs and preferences. The EOS R5 and RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM offer exceptional image quality, advanced video capabilities, and a professional-grade build, making it a top choice for serious photographers and filmmakers. However, its larger size and higher price might not be ideal for everyone.
The EOS R7 and RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM provide a more affordable and portable option, offering excellent image quality and video capabilities for a wider range of users. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel, everyday photography, and capturing everyday moments.
Ultimately, the best camera and lens combo for you is the one that best suits your individual needs, budget, and photographic style. Carefully consider your priorities and explore each setup’s strengths and weaknesses to make an informed decision that aligns with your photographic goals.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Canon EOS R5 with the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is a better choice for wildlife photography due to its superior autofocus system, higher resolution, and ability to capture fast-moving subjects.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Canon EOS R7 with the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a more suitable option for travel photography due to its compact size, lightweight design, and versatile zoom range.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS R5 with the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is a superior choice for video recording with its 8K video capabilities, advanced features like Canon Log, and professional-grade lens.
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS R7 with the RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is a more beginner-friendly option due to its user-friendly interface, compact size, and versatile kit lens.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EOS R5 with the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens offers better low-light performance due to its larger full-frame sensor and constant f/2.8 aperture.