Battle of the Lenses: Canon EOS RP vs. Nikon D750 – Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a captivating face-off between two popular setups: the Canon EOS RP with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and the **Nikon D750 with the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G**. Both offer exceptional image quality and versatility, but which one emerges as the victor in this epic showdown? Let’s explore their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, which combination best suits your photographic aspirations.

The contenders: A closer look

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

• Camera: The Canon EOS RP is a full-frame mirrorless camera renowned for its compact size, lightweight design, and impressive image quality. It boasts a 26.2MP sensor, 4K video recording, and a responsive autofocus system.
• Lens: The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a legendary portrait lens known for its exceptional sharpness, creamy bokeh, and fast aperture. Its high-quality construction and weather sealing make it a reliable companion for any photographer.

Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:

• Camera: The Nikon D750 is a full-frame DSLR lauded for its robust build, excellent low-light performance, and impressive autofocus capabilities. It features a 24.3MP sensor, 1080p video recording, and a deep grip for comfortable handling.
• Lens: The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is a popular budget-friendly lens known for its sharp images, pleasing bokeh, and compact size. Its DX format makes it ideal for shooting on Nikon’s APS-C cameras.

Image Quality: A Detailed Comparison

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

• The Canon EOS RP’s 26.2MP sensor delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors, impressive detail, and exceptional dynamic range. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM accentuates this quality with its sharp rendering and smooth bokeh.
• The combination excels in low-light situations, capturing stunning images with minimal noise even at high ISOs.

Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:

• The Nikon D750’s 24.3MP sensor is capable of producing high-quality images with excellent detail and color reproduction. The AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G complements this with its sharp optics and pleasing bokeh.
• While the D750 performs well in low light, it does exhibit slightly more noise than the EOS RP at higher ISOs.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

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

• The Canon EOS RP’s autofocus system is fast and responsive, thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM features a fast and accurate autofocus motor, making it a reliable choice for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:

• The Nikon D750’s autofocus system is also quite impressive, with 153 focus points covering a large portion of the sensor. The AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G’s autofocus motor is reliable but not as fast as the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.

Ergonomics and Handling: Comfort and Control

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

• The Canon EOS RP is a compact and lightweight camera that feels comfortable to hold. Its electronic viewfinder is bright and clear, and the touch screen interface is intuitive and responsive. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is a well-balanced lens that complements the camera’s compact size.

Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:

• The Nikon D750 is a larger and heavier camera than the EOS RP, but it has a deep grip that provides a secure hold. Its optical viewfinder is bright and clear, and the button layout is familiar to Nikon users. The AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is a compact lens that complements the camera’s size.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Features

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

• The Canon EOS RP can record 4K video at up to 25fps with impressive image quality and autofocus performance. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM’s shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh create stunning video footage.

Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:

• The Nikon D750 can record 1080p video at up to 60fps with decent quality. However, its autofocus performance during video recording is not as smooth as the Canon EOS RP’s.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Combo for You

Both the Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and the Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G offer exceptional image quality and versatility. However, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Canon EOS RP with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM:

• Best for: Portrait photographers, videographers, and those who prioritize image quality, autofocus performance, and compact size.

Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G:

• Best for: Photographers who value a robust build, excellent low-light performance, and a more affordable price point.

Beyond the Specs: A Final Thought

Ultimately, the best camera and lens combo is the one that fits your style and workflow. Consider your shooting needs, budget, and personal preferences when making your decision. Don’t be afraid to try out different options and experiment until you find the perfect match.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are great for beginners, but the Canon EOS RP might be slightly easier to learn due to its intuitive interface and touch screen controls.
Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is widely regarded as a superior portrait lens due to its exceptional sharpness, creamy bokeh, and fast aperture.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EOS RP generally performs better in low-light situations due to its superior noise performance at high ISOs.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Nikon D750 with Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is the more affordable option, especially when considering the price of the lenses.
Q: Which camera is better for video?
A: The Canon EOS RP offers superior video capabilities with its 4K recording, smooth autofocus, and better overall image quality.