BENOISON vs Canon RF 24-

Overview of the Products

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon is priced at $96.22, making it a budget-friendly option for Nikon users. In contrast, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens is significantly more expensive at $476.95, reflecting its versatile zoom capabilities. The price difference is about 396%, indicating that the Nikon lens is a much more accessible choice for those looking for quality without breaking the bank.

The Nikon lens is designed primarily for portrait photography with its large aperture, while the Canon lens offers a wide zoom range, catering to a broader spectrum of photography styles including landscapes, street photography, and casual video work. This distinction highlights the targeted use cases for each lens.

Target Audience

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is ideal for photographers who specialize in portraiture and need a lens that excels in creating beautiful background bokeh and shallow depth-of-field effects. Its manual focus design caters to those comfortable with traditional photography techniques, often appealing to enthusiasts and professionals who prefer greater control.

On the other hand, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens is aimed at a more general audience, including travel photographers and vloggers. Its versatile zoom range and built-in image stabilization make it suitable for everyday photography as well as dynamic shooting situations. This lens is particularly attractive for those who want an all-in-one solution without the hassle of changing lenses frequently.

Lens Design and Build Quality

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a manual focus lens, reflecting a more traditional design that may attract purists. It requires users to manually adjust the focus ring to achieve sharp images, which can be rewarding for those who appreciate hands-on photography. This lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, though it is not suitable for Z-series mirrorless cameras.

Conversely, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens features a modern design with a compact and lightweight form, making it easy to carry for extended periods. Its design incorporates a built-in Optical Image Stabilizer that provides up to five stops of correction, enhancing the usability of the lens in low-light conditions. This lens's user-friendly features may appeal to a broader range of photographers, including beginners.

Image Quality

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens excels in producing stunning background bokeh, thanks to its large aperture of f1.8. This feature is particularly beneficial for isolating subjects in portrait photography, allowing for detailed close-ups and a natural perspective in images. Users can expect high-quality, sharp results, especially when the focus is fine-tuned manually.

In contrast, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens provides versatility across a range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to short telephoto. While its maximum aperture is not as wide as the Nikon lens, it compensates with its image stabilization and smooth autofocus capabilities. This lens is designed to produce sharp images across various scenarios, making it a reliable choice for general-purpose photography.

Autofocus and Usability

One of the most significant distinctions is in the autofocus system. The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens does not feature autofocus, necessitating manual adjustments which can be a barrier for some users. This design choice allows for a more tactile experience but may not be ideal for fast-paced situations where quick focus is essential.

In contrast, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens is equipped with a stepping motor for smooth and quiet autofocus performance, making it suitable for both photography and video recording. The full-time manual focus override allows users to fine-tune their shots, providing flexibility that can enhance the shooting experience, particularly for vloggers and hybrid content creators.

Pricing and Value

At $96.22, the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is a cost-effective option for Nikon users, especially those focused on portrait photography. Its price reflects its specialized function, making it a valuable addition for those who shoot primarily in this genre.

On the other hand, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens, priced at $476.95, represents a significant investment, but it offers a versatile zoom range and advanced features that justify the higher cost. For photographers who value flexibility and the ability to shoot in various conditions, this lens may present a better value despite its higher price point.

Brand Considerations

The 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is produced by BENOISON, a brand known for providing affordable options for photography enthusiasts. While it may not carry the same brand prestige as Canon, it delivers quality at a significantly lower price.

Conversely, Canon is a well-established brand in the photography industry, known for its innovation and reliability. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens benefits from this reputation, offering users a sense of assurance in their investment. Canon's support and extensive ecosystem of products enhance the overall value of choosing this lens.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens and the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens ultimately depends on your specific needs as a photographer. If you prioritize portrait photography and manual control, the Nikon lens is an excellent choice at a fraction of the cost. However, if you seek versatility for everyday photography, travel, and video, the Canon lens justifies its higher price with its advanced features and broader applicability. Consider your style and requirements before making a decision, as both lenses cater to different photographic experiences.