The Ultimate Lens Duel: Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 28-70mm f 2L USM vs Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 85mm f 2 Macro IS STM – Which Lens Will Define Your Photography Journey?

The Canon EOS R5 is a powerhouse of a camera, and choosing the right lens can make all the difference in your photography. Two popular options for the Canon EOS R5 are the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM and the **Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM**. This blog post will break down the key differences between these two lenses to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Versatility vs. Specialization: Understanding Your Needs

The first step in choosing the right lens is to understand your photography style and needs.

• The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is a versatile zoom lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, making it a great all-around choice for everyday photography. Its constant f/2 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for beautiful portraits.
• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is a specialized lens designed for portraiture and macro photography. Its fixed focal length provides a unique perspective and its macro capabilities allow you to capture stunning close-up shots of small subjects.

Focal Length: The Difference in Perspective

The focal length of a lens determines the field of view and the perspective of your images.

• The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offers a range of focal lengths from 28mm to 70mm, providing flexibility for capturing wide-angle shots, everyday scenes, and portraits.
• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM has a fixed focal length of 85mm, which is considered a classic portrait focal length. It offers a slightly compressed perspective, flattering subjects and creating a sense of intimacy.

Aperture: Controlling Depth of Field

Aperture is the size of the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. It also influences the depth of field, the area of the image that is in focus.

• The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM boasts a constant f/2 aperture throughout its zoom range, allowing for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and excellent low-light performance.
• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM also features a fast f/2 aperture, which is ideal for achieving shallow depth of field and isolating subjects.

Macro Capabilities: Getting Up Close and Personal

Macro photography is the art of capturing close-up images of small subjects, revealing intricate details.

• The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is not a macro lens and does not offer any dedicated macro capabilities.
• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is specifically designed for macro photography, allowing you to focus as close as 0.39x magnification. This makes it perfect for capturing detailed shots of insects, flowers, and other small subjects.

Image Stabilization: Sharp Images in Any Situation

Image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low light or when using longer focal lengths.

• The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM does not feature image stabilization. This can be a drawback when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths or in low light.
• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM offers 5-stops of image stabilization, making it easier to capture sharp images even in challenging conditions.

Size and Weight: Portability and Convenience

The size and weight of a lens can be a significant factor, especially if you’re traveling or shooting on the go.

• The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is a relatively large and heavy lens, weighing in at 1.4 lbs. While it offers versatility, its size may be a drawback for some photographers.
• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is significantly smaller and lighter, weighing only 0.8 lbs. Its compact size makes it more portable and easier to carry around.

Price: Balancing Value and Features

The price of a lens is an important consideration, especially when choosing between high-quality options.

• The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is a premium lens with a price tag to match. Its advanced features and performance come at a cost.
• The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is a more affordable option, offering excellent value for its features and performance.

Choosing the Right Lens for You

Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Choose the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM if you need:
• Versatility for a wide range of shooting scenarios
• Fast aperture for low-light performance and shallow depth of field
• Exceptional image quality and build quality

• Choose the Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM if you need:
• A specialized lens for portraiture and macro photography
• Excellent image quality with a classic portrait lens perspective
• Image stabilization for sharper images in challenging conditions
• A more compact and portable lens

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Specs

While the specifications and features of each lens are important, it’s also worth considering your personal style and preferences. The best way to choose the right lens is to try them out, experiment with different focal lengths and apertures, and see which one feels most natural and intuitive for you.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which lens is better for street photography?
A: The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is generally a better choice for street photography due to its versatility and wide-angle perspective.
Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is not ideal for wildlife photography due to its fixed focal length. A longer telephoto lens is recommended for this genre.
Q: Which lens is better for product photography?
A: Both lenses can be used for product photography, but the Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is better suited for close-up shots of small products due to its macro capabilities.
Q: Which lens is better for travel photography?
A: The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is a more versatile option for travel photography because it can capture a wider range of scenes and subjects. However, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is more compact and portable, making it a good choice for travel if you primarily focus on portraits and macro photography.
Q: Which lens is better for video?
A: Both lenses are capable of producing high-quality video footage. The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offers more versatility for different shooting scenarios, while the Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM provides a classic portrait perspective.