Canon RF vs SIRUI

Overview of the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is priced at $589.00, offering a versatile option for photographers. This medium telephoto lens excels in portrait and macro photography, providing a bright f/2 aperture for beautiful bokeh. With a maximum magnification of 0.5x and a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet, it caters well to those looking to capture intricate details. The lens also features optical image stabilization with up to 5 stops of shake correction, making it ideal for low-light scenarios. The RF 85mm is compatible with Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras, enhancing its appeal for both amateur and professional photographers.

Overview of the SIRUI 20mm T1.8 Anamorphic Lens

The SIRUI 20mm T1.8 Anamorphic Lens is available for $599.00, slightly higher than the Canon RF lens. Designed specifically for E mount cameras, this lens delivers a 1.33x squeeze factor, providing an immersive cinematic experience with a 2.35:1 widescreen ratio. Its T1.8 ultra-fast aperture allows for enhanced low-light performance and soft bokeh, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, including night scenes. The lens is compatible with APS-C and Super 35 sensors, ensuring excellent coverage and image clarity. With a weight of only 480g, it is compact and suitable for handheld shooting, making it an attractive option for filmmakers.

Performance in Low Light Conditions

When evaluating low-light performance, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM holds a notable advantage with its bright f/2 aperture, which allows for better light capture compared to the SIRUI 20mm T1.8. While the SIRUI lens also features a T1.8 aperture, its design is primarily tailored for cinematic shots rather than standard photography. The Canon lens incorporates hybrid image stabilization that compensates for angular and shift camera shake, making it particularly effective for low-light photography and video recording. Thus, for those prioritizing low-light capabilities for photography, the Canon lens may be the more advantageous choice.

Versatility in Usage

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro offers exceptional versatility, functioning effectively as both a portrait and macro lens. Its capability to achieve a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet allows for detailed close-up shots, making it a perfect choice for photographers interested in macro work. In contrast, the SIRUI 20mm T1.8 is primarily aimed at filmmakers, providing a wide-angle perspective suitable for landscapes and cinematic productions. While both lenses excel in their respective fields, the Canon lens provides a broader range of applications, appealing to photographers and videographers alike.

Autofocus and Manual Control

The SIRUI 20mm T1.8 features selectable manual and autofocus, powered by a precision STM stepping motor, which allows for smooth and quiet operation. This is particularly beneficial for video creators needing precise focus control, including eye-tracking capabilities. While the Canon RF 85mm also offers a control ring for direct setting changes, it does not emphasize autofocus features in the same way as the SIRUI lens. For users who prioritize autofocus technology in their shooting, especially in dynamic environments, the SIRUI lens offers a distinct advantage.

Image Quality and Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, both lenses are engineered for high image quality. The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro boasts a bright aperture that enhances bokeh and sharpness, particularly in portrait shots. The optical image stabilization enhances its performance, allowing for clear images even in challenging conditions. On the other hand, the SIRUI 20mm T1.8 provides an impressive 1.33x squeeze factor, enhancing the cinematic quality of footage captured. Although both lenses deliver exceptional quality, the choice depends on whether the user prioritizes still photography or cinematic video production.

Build Quality and Portability

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it a great travel companion for photographers. Its robust build quality ensures durability while maintaining ease of use. The SIRUI 20mm T1.8, weighing only 480g, emphasizes portability and is well-suited for handheld or gimbal use, catering to filmmakers in fast-paced environments. While both lenses are designed with portability in mind, the specific choice may depend on the primary use case—stills versus motion.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM and the SIRUI 20mm T1.8 Anamorphic Lens ultimately comes down to your specific needs. If you are a photographer seeking a versatile lens for portraits and macro photography, the Canon lens, priced at $589.00, is an excellent choice. However, if you are a filmmaker looking for a high-quality anamorphic lens with autofocus capabilities, the SIRUI lens at $599.00 is ideal for creating cinematic visuals. Each lens excels in its domain, making your intended use the deciding factor in this comparison.