Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: A Battle of Lenses for Canon EOS Rebel T7I and EOS RP

Choosing the right camera and lens combo can be a daunting task, especially with the wide range of options available. Two popular contenders, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and the **Canon EOS RP Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM**, cater to different photographic styles and budgets. This post will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each combo, helping you make an informed decision.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM: A Versatile Starter Kit

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a popular choice for beginners and enthusiasts, offering a balance of features and affordability. The EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is a standard kit lens, providing a versatile focal range for everyday photography.
Key Features:

• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Captures high-resolution images with excellent detail.
• 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System: Offers fast and accurate autofocus for capturing moving subjects.
• Continuous Shooting at 6fps: Allows you to capture action sequences with ease.
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60fps: Provides smooth and high-quality video footage.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC: Enables easy wireless image transfer to your smartphone or tablet.
• 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens: Offers a versatile focal range for everyday photography, including landscapes, portraits, and street scenes.

Pros:

• Affordable: The Rebel T7i is a budget-friendly option compared to full-frame cameras.
• Easy to Use: The camera has a user-friendly interface and controls, making it ideal for beginners.
• Versatile Lens: The 18-55mm lens provides a wide range of focal lengths, suitable for various subjects.
• Good Image Quality: The APS-C sensor delivers sharp and detailed images.

Cons:

• Limited Low Light Performance: The smaller sensor size results in less light sensitivity compared to full-frame cameras.
• No 4K Video Recording: The camera only supports Full HD video recording.
• Basic Lens: The kit lens has a limited aperture range and may not be ideal for low-light or portrait photography.

The Canon EOS RP with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM: A Powerful Tool for Portrait Photography

The Canon EOS RP is a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for photographers seeking high image quality and advanced features. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is a professional-grade portrait lens known for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and low-light performance.
Key Features:

• 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor: Delivers exceptional image quality with excellent detail and dynamic range.
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF: Provides fast and accurate autofocus, even in low-light conditions.
• Continuous Shooting at 5fps: Allows you to capture fast-moving subjects.
• 4K Video Recording at 25/30p: Offers high-resolution video recording with excellent image quality.
• Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): Provides a clear and detailed view of your subject, even in bright sunlight.
• 85mm f/1.2L USM Lens: A specialized portrait lens with a wide aperture, offering shallow depth of field and stunning bokeh.

Pros:

• Exceptional Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers superior image quality with outstanding detail and dynamic range.
• Outstanding Low Light Performance: The large aperture of the 85mm lens allows you to shoot in low-light conditions with minimal noise.
• Beautiful Bokeh: The shallow depth of field created by the wide aperture creates smooth and pleasing background blur.
• Professional-Grade Lens: The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens is a high-quality lens designed for professional photographers.

Cons:

• Higher Price: The EOS RP and the RF 85mm lens are significantly more expensive than the Rebel T7i and kit lens.
• Limited Focal Range: The 85mm lens is a fixed focal length lens, limiting its versatility for other types of photography.
• Smaller Sensor: While the EOS RP is a full-frame camera, it has a smaller sensor than other full-frame cameras, which can affect low-light performance.

Choosing the Right Combo for Your Needs

The best camera and lens combo for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Canon EOS Rebel T7i with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM:

• Ideal for: Beginners, enthusiasts, everyday photography, travel, landscapes, and general photography.
• Pros: Affordable, versatile, easy to use, good image quality.
• Cons: Limited low-light performance, no 4K video recording, basic lens.

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

• Ideal for: Portrait photographers, professionals, low-light photography, and photographers seeking exceptional image quality.
• Pros: Exceptional image quality, outstanding low-light performance, beautiful bokeh, professional-grade lens.
• Cons: Higher price, limited focal range, smaller sensor than other full-frame cameras.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Options

While the two combos discussed above are excellent starting points, the world of photography offers a multitude of options.

• Upgrade the Rebel T7i: Consider upgrading the kit lens to a more advanced lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM or the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM for improved image quality and versatility.
• Explore Other Full-Frame Options: If you’re willing to invest more, consider full-frame cameras like the Canon EOS R6 or the Canon EOS R5, which offer even better image quality and advanced features.
• Consider a Prime Lens: Prime lenses, like the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, offer sharper images and a wider aperture than zoom lenses, making them ideal for low-light and portrait photography.

The Future of Photography: A World of Possibilities

The world of photography is constantly evolving, with new cameras and lenses being released regularly. As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative features and capabilities in the future.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Match

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combo for you is the one that best suits your needs and photographic style. Consider your budget, the types of photography you enjoy, and the features that are most important to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options until you find the perfect match.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use Canon EF lenses on the Canon EOS RP?
A: Yes, you can use Canon EF lenses on the Canon EOS RP using an optional adapter.
Q: What is the difference between the Canon EF-S and Canon EF lenses?
A: Canon EF-S lenses are designed specifically for APS-C cameras, while Canon EF lenses are compatible with both APS-C and full-frame cameras.
Q: Which camera is best for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a great choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, affordable price, and versatile kit lens.
Q: What is the best lens for portrait photography?
A: The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is an excellent choice for portrait photography, offering exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and low-light performance.
Q: What is the difference between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera?
A: DSLR cameras use a mirror to reflect light to the viewfinder, while mirrorless cameras use an electronic viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras are generally smaller and lighter than DSLRs.