Canon RF vs OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED

Overview of the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is designed for versatility in portrait and macro photography, featuring a bright f/2 aperture. This lens allows for stunning bokeh and a maximum magnification of 0.5x, making it ideal for capturing detailed close-ups. Priced at $589.00, it offers an optical image stabilization system that compensates for camera shake, benefiting low-light shooting conditions and video recording.

Overview of the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro

The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro is well-suited for capturing intricate details with its bright f/2.8 aperture and 1:1 life-size magnification. At a price of $549.99, this lens features a weather-sealed design, making it a robust choice for outdoor photography. Its internal focusing system ensures that the lens length remains constant during use, which is crucial for close-up work.

Price Comparison

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is priced at $589.00 while the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro is priced at $549.99. This represents a price difference of about 7% in favor of the Olympus lens, making it the more budget-friendly option for photographers seeking macro capabilities. Buyers looking to save slightly may find the Olympus lens more appealing without sacrificing quality.

Build Quality and Design

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is lightweight and designed specifically for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras, providing a seamless shooting experience. It features a built-in customizable control ring for direct setting changes, enhancing user convenience. On the other hand, the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro boasts a weather-sealed design, ensuring durability against dust and moisture. This feature makes it particularly suitable for outdoor photography, giving it an edge in challenging environments.

Optical Performance

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM excels in optical performance with a maximum aperture of f/2, delivering beautiful bokeh and impressive low-light capability. The lens also offers optical image stabilization, providing up to 5 stops of shake correction, which is beneficial for handheld shooting. Conversely, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro features a 7.4-inch minimum focusing distance and a 1:1 life-size magnification, allowing for finely detailed close-ups. With 13 lens elements in 10 groups, it effectively minimizes chromatic aberrations, ensuring high-quality images.

Autofocus and Usability

The autofocus system in the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is designed for fast and accurate focusing, with hybrid image stabilization that helps during macro shooting. This lens is user-friendly, thanks to its control ring for quick adjustments. In comparison, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro features a High-Speed Imager AF (MSC) mechanism, which enhances focusing speed and accuracy. Additionally, the focus limit switch simplifies the autofocus process, making it user-friendly for macro photographers.

Versatility in Photography

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is versatile enough for portraits, street photography, and macro shots, making it a great all-around lens. Its ability to perform well in low-light conditions adds to its versatility. Meanwhile, the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro is specifically tailored for macro photography, offering high magnification and close focusing capabilities. However, its 60mm focal length may limit its use for portraiture compared to the 85mm focal length of the Canon lens, which is traditionally favored for portrait photography.

Conclusion on Portability

Both lenses are relatively portable, but the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is designed with travel in mind, being lightweight and compact. The OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro is also compact but incorporates a more complex internal focusing mechanism, which may add slight weight. Ultimately, photographers looking for a lightweight and versatile option may prefer the Canon lens, while those focused on macro details might lean towards the Olympus model.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM and the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro depends on your photography needs. If you prioritize versatility, superior low-light performance, and a longer focal length for portrait work, the Canon lens is an excellent choice at $589.00. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly, weather-sealed option with strong macro capabilities, the Olympus lens at $549.99 offers great value. Each has its strengths, so consider your specific requirements before making a decision.