Canon EOS Rebel T7i vs Canon EOS RP: Which Lenses Win in the Battle of the EF-S and RF Mounts?

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular setups: the Canon EOS Rebel T7i with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens versus the Canon EOS RP with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Canon EOS Rebel T7i with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:

• Camera: The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a versatile DSLR known for its user-friendly interface and excellent image quality. It features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, continuous shooting up to 6fps, and a 45-point autofocus system.
• Lens: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a popular all-purpose lens offering a versatile focal range suitable for various subjects, from landscapes to portraits. Its image stabilization and STM technology ensure smooth and quiet autofocus.

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

• Camera: The Canon EOS RP is a mirrorless camera offering a full-frame sensor for exceptional image quality and low-light performance. It features a 26.2MP sensor, continuous shooting up to 5fps, and a 4779-point autofocus system.
• Lens: The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a premium portrait lens known for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and fast aperture for shallow depth of field effects.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The most significant difference between these setups lies in the sensor size. The Canon EOS Rebel T7i utilizes an APS-C sensor, while the Canon EOS RP boasts a full-frame sensor. This difference translates to a noticeable advantage in image quality for the EOS RP.
Full-frame sensors:

• Larger sensor size: Captures more light, leading to better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and less noise.
• Wider field of view: Offers a wider perspective, especially when using full-frame lenses.
• Greater detail: Produces sharper images with more detail, especially in high-resolution settings.

APS-C sensors:

• Smaller sensor size: Offers a more compact and lightweight camera body.
• Crop factor: The smaller sensor size results in a crop factor of 1.6x, effectively increasing the focal length of lenses. This can be beneficial for wildlife or sports photography.
• More affordable: Generally, cameras with APS-C sensors are more budget-friendly compared to full-frame cameras.

While the Canon EOS Rebel T7i produces excellent images, the Canon EOS RP delivers a noticeable improvement in image quality due to its full-frame sensor. This is particularly evident in low-light situations and when printing large images.

Lens Performance: Versatility vs. Specialized Excellence

The choice between the Canon EF-S 18-135mm and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM depends largely on your photography style and subject matter.
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:

• Versatility: Offers a wide zoom range suitable for various subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and everyday photography.
• Image stabilization: Helps to reduce camera shake, making it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions or with a slower shutter speed.
• Affordable: This lens is a budget-friendly option for photographers seeking an all-around lens.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM:

• Exceptional sharpness: Delivers stunningly sharp images with excellent detail.
• Beautiful bokeh: Creates a pleasing out-of-focus background, ideal for portraits and other subjects where you want to isolate your subject.
• Fast aperture: Allows for shallow depth of field, blurring the background and highlighting your subject.
• Premium quality: This lens is built with high-quality materials and features a robust construction.

For photographers who prioritize versatility and a wide focal range, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm is an excellent choice. However, if you’re passionate about portrait photography and desire the best possible image quality with stunning bokeh, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is the clear winner.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both the Canon EOS Rebel T7i and the Canon EOS RP offer reliable autofocus systems. However, the EOS RP’s autofocus system is significantly more advanced, thanks to its mirrorless technology.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i:

• 45-point autofocus system: Offers reliable autofocus performance, but it is limited compared to the EOS RP’s system.
• Phase-detection autofocus: Provides fast and accurate autofocus for still subjects and moving objects.

Canon EOS RP:

• 4779-point autofocus system: Covers a large portion of the sensor, ensuring accurate focus across the entire frame.
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Provides fast and accurate autofocus, especially for tracking moving subjects.
• Eye Detection AF: Automatically focuses on the eyes of your subject, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Canon EOS RP‘s autofocus system is a significant advantage, especially for photographers who shoot fast-paced action or rely on accurate eye focus for portraits.

Ergonomics and Features: User Experience Matters

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i and the Canon EOS RP offer different user experiences, catering to different preferences.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i:

• Traditional DSLR design: Familiar and comfortable for users accustomed to DSLRs.
• Optical viewfinder: Provides a clear and bright view of the scene, even in bright sunlight.
• Dedicated buttons and dials: Offer quick access to essential camera settings.

Canon EOS RP:

• Compact mirrorless design: Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
• Electronic viewfinder: Offers a high-resolution view with live preview of settings and effects.
• Touchscreen interface: Provides intuitive control over camera settings and menus.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i’s traditional DSLR design might appeal to photographers who prefer a familiar feel and the benefits of an optical viewfinder. However, the Canon EOS RP’s compact mirrorless design and touchscreen interface offer a more modern and user-friendly experience.

Price and Value: Balancing Performance and Budget

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is a budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for the price. The Canon EOS RP with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens, on the other hand, represents a significant investment, reflecting its premium features and performance.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:

• Budget-friendly: Offers excellent value for the price.
• Versatile lens: The kit lens is a great starting point for various photography styles.

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

• Premium performance: Offers exceptional image quality and autofocus capabilities.
• Specialized lens: Perfect for portrait photographers seeking the best possible results.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and priorities. If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile camera setup, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is an excellent option. However, if you’re willing to invest in premium quality and performance, the Canon EOS RP with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM will deliver stunning results.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Setup for You

So, which camera and lens combo wins? It depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS Rebel T7i with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:

• Best for: Beginners, budget-conscious photographers, those seeking versatility.

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

• Best for: Portrait photographers, professionals, those seeking exceptional image quality and shallow depth of field effects.

No matter which setup you choose, both the Canon EOS Rebel T7i and the Canon EOS RP offer excellent image quality and features. The key is to select the combination that best aligns with your photography style, budget, and desired level of performance.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Specs

Ultimately, the best camera is the one you use most. Consider your photography goals, budget, and the features that matter most to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different cameras and lenses to find the perfect fit for your creative vision.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EOS RP is better for low-light photography due to its full-frame sensor, which captures more light and produces less noise.
Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is considered a superior portrait lens due to its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and fast aperture.
Q: Which camera is easier to use for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS Rebel T7i might be slightly easier for beginners due to its traditional DSLR design and user-friendly interface.
Q: Which camera is more compact and portable?
A: The Canon EOS RP is more compact and portable due to its mirrorless design.
Q: Which camera offers better image quality overall?
A: The Canon EOS RP offers better image quality overall due to its full-frame sensor. However, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i still produces excellent images, especially for everyday photography.