Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens, RF Mount, Wide-Angle vs lightdow EF

Overview of the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is a versatile wide-angle lens priced at $299.00, making it an attractive option for full-frame camera users. This lens is specifically designed for Canon's EOS R series, providing a 28mm focal length that equates to approximately 45mm on APS-C sensors. Its compact design makes it ideal for travel and everyday photography needs.

This lens boasts excellent image quality due to its construction, which includes three aspheric elements and Canon's Super Spectra Coating to minimize ghosting and flare. With a minimum focus distance of about 9 inches, it achieves a maximum magnification of 0.17x, making it useful for various photography styles, from landscapes to street photography. The Canon RF28mm is user-friendly and lightweight, making it an excellent entry point for those new to full-frame photography.

Overview of the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens, priced significantly lower at $77.59, is a manual focus lens tailored for Canon's DSLR cameras, including the EOS Rebel series. This lens excels in portrait photography with an impressive f/1.8 aperture that allows for beautiful bokeh and sharp subject isolation. Its 85mm focal length is ideal for capturing portraits with a natural perspective.

However, it requires full manual control, which means users must adjust settings such as shutter speed, ISO, and aperture manually. This design can enhance users' photographic skills but may not be suitable for everyone. Despite its manual focus, the lens still offers superb image quality through its hybrid aspherical lens and multi-coating technology, which effectively reduces aberrations and glare.

Price Comparison

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is priced at $299.00, while the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is available for about $77.59. This results in a price difference of $221.41, with the EF lens being approximately 74% cheaper than its counterpart. The significant difference in price may make the EF 85mm a more appealing choice for beginner photographers or those on a tight budget, especially considering its capabilities in portrait photography.

While the RF28mm offers advanced features suitable for full-frame users, the price point of the EF 85mm could be a deciding factor for consumers looking for a more economical option. The Canon RF28mm may justify its higher price with its modern design and compatibility with the EOS R series, but the EF 85mm’s affordability cannot be overlooked.

Compatibility and Use Cases

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is specifically designed for full-frame EOS R series cameras and is also compatible with APS-C sensor models, making it versatile for various shooting situations. This lens is perfect for everyday photography, street photography, and videography, thanks to its lightweight design and wide-angle capability.

Conversely, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLRs, including the EOS Rebel series and other models up to 5D Mark IV and 6D II. However, its manual focus nature means it's geared towards users who prefer a hands-on approach to their photography. This lens excels in portraiture, providing stunning background blur effects, but may not be the best option for those who need quick autofocus.

Image Quality and Performance

The image quality delivered by the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is outstanding, featuring three aspheric elements and Canon Super Spectra Coating to reduce flare and ghosting. This lens offers excellent sharpness and clarity, which is crucial for both stills and video. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it allows for good light intake, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.

On the other hand, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens offers remarkable image quality with its f/1.8 aperture, allowing for exceptional low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. The lens's internal focus mechanism ensures quiet operation while shooting. Users can expect vibrant colors and sharp details, especially in portraiture. Both lenses provide superb image quality, but the choice ultimately comes down to the intended use—wide-angle versatility or portrait-specific performance.

Ease of Use

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is designed for ease of use, featuring a stepping motor focus drive that provides smooth and quiet autofocus, which is particularly beneficial for videographers. Its lightweight and compact design means it can be carried easily, making it a great option for on-the-go photography.

In contrast, the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens is fully manual and requires users to take control of focus and settings. While this can enhance the learning experience and foster creativity, it may pose a challenge for those unfamiliar with manual settings. Users need to be comfortable operating in manual mode, which might limit its appeal to beginners who prefer a more automated shooting experience.

Build Quality and Design

The Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens is beautifully designed with a super-flat profile, making it portable and easy to handle. It accepts 55mm filters and has a dedicated lens hood that enhances usability. The build quality reflects Canon's commitment to creating durable and reliable lenses for photographers.

The EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens, while also well-constructed, is designed with a focus on manual operation. Its simplicity in design emphasizes functionality over additional features. The robust build can withstand regular use, making it a solid choice for photographers who prioritize durability.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens and the EF 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are a full-frame EOS R series user looking for a versatile, lightweight lens for everyday photography, the RF28mm is an excellent investment despite its higher price of $299.00.

On the other hand, if you are a budget-conscious photographer primarily interested in portrait photography, the EF 85mm at $77.59 offers remarkable quality and performance, albeit with the trade-off of manual focus. Consider your photography style, budget, and the type of camera you own when making your decision. Each lens has its strengths, catering to different aspects of photography.