Canon RF vs VILTROX

Price Comparison

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is priced at $589.00, while the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji comes in at $179.00. This makes the VILTROX about 70% cheaper than the Canon lens, offering a significant cost advantage for budget-conscious photographers. The substantial price difference may influence your decision, particularly if you are starting out or primarily shooting in casual settings. While the Canon lens offers premium features suitable for professional work, the VILTROX provides excellent value for its price, making it a compelling choice for those on a tighter budget.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of both lenses showcases their respective strengths. The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM features a bright f/2 aperture that provides beautiful bokeh and a maximum magnification of 0.5x, making it well-suited for macro photography. Its optical image stabilization enhances shooting in low-light conditions, ensuring crisp images. On the other hand, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji boasts a large maximum aperture of f/1.7, which also excels in low-light scenarios and creates lovely background blur. With 11 elements in 9 groups, including specialized elements to minimize aberrations, it promises outstanding image quality. Both lenses are engineered for impressive optical performance, catering to different photographic needs.

Focal Length and Versatility

When it comes to focal lengths, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM provides a medium-telephoto perspective, ideal for portraits and street photography. Its 85mm focal length allows for significant subject isolation while maintaining a comfortable distance from the subject. Conversely, the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji offers a 53mm equivalent focal length, which closely mimics the human eye’s perspective. This versatility makes it suitable for a broader range of applications, including landscapes and street shots. Depending on your shooting style, one focal length may serve you better than the other, highlighting the importance of choosing a lens that complements your preferred photography genre.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience

The VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji is equipped with a new STM motor that delivers fast and precise autofocus performance, making it ideal for capturing spontaneous moments. This lens minimizes focus breathing, ensuring smooth transitions during video recording, which is particularly beneficial for content creators. In contrast, while the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is also designed for quick focusing, it does not emphasize the autofocus features as much as the VILTROX. The experience of using the VILTROX may feel more modern and responsive, especially in dynamic shooting environments, giving it a slight edge for those who prioritize speed and efficiency.

Minimum Focusing Distance

The minimum focusing distance is a critical specification for macro photography. The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM allows for a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet, enabling you to capture detailed close-up shots with an impressive level of clarity. The VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji, however, boasts a much closer minimum focusing distance of just 0.33 meters (approximately 1.08 feet). This feature allows for stunning close-ups and adds to its versatility as a general-purpose lens. While both lenses are capable of macro photography to varying degrees, the VILTROX provides a slightly better option for those who wish to explore close-up shots without needing to step back.

Build and Design

Both lenses exhibit thoughtful design elements that enhance usability. The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM is lightweight and features a built-in customizable control ring, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly. Its design is tailored for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance. The VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji offers an extended lens hood to minimize stray light and improve contrast in images. Additionally, it comes with a USB-C upgrade port, allowing users to update the lens firmware easily. This design consideration adds to its longevity and adaptability, particularly for photographers who frequently update their equipment.

Brand Reputation and Compatibility

Canon is a well-established brand known for high-quality imaging products, and the RF 85mm F2 Macro is compatible with a range of Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras, including the EOS RP and EOS R6. This compatibility ensures that users are investing in a lens that will seamlessly integrate with their existing Canon gear. The VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji is designed for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, including popular models like the X-T3 and X-T4. While both brands have their loyal followings, Canon's long-standing reputation may provide peace of mind for those concerned about quality and reliability. However, VILTROX’s innovative features and competitive pricing might attract new users looking for value without sacrificing performance.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM and the VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Fuji ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The Canon lens excels in optical performance, macro capabilities, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts willing to invest in their gear. In contrast, the VILTROX lens offers remarkable versatility, fast autofocus, and a significantly lower price, making it ideal for casual photographers or those just starting. If budget is a primary concern and you value a lightweight lens with excellent close-up capabilities, the VILTROX is a strong contender. However, if you're looking for superior image stabilization and macro features, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is the way to go.