Use case

Thought I'd take a moment in hindsight and write a snippet about best use of the EOS R and whom it's best suited.

Who:

Advanced amateurs; entry full frame option, particularly those who want to do landscape work, and/or more advanced portrait work (vs the EOS RP)

What:

Non-L RF lenses are best suited. They have IS (well most of them), which this camera does not have IBIS, and, lightweight and pair well with performance of the camera and lens.

Examples:

RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM

RF 85mm f/2 IS STM

RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 IS STM

RF 24-240 IS STM

RF 100-400 IS STM

RF 800mm IS STM

.

Where this excels:

Low light, landscapes, portraiture, light event duty. 1080P video.

Where this does not:

4K video (cropped, rolling shutter), sports (pedestrian 5FPS in AI-Servo), L-Lenses (well you can use L lenses, I do, but, you'd be better served using an L lens on a more apt pairing like the R5/R6 where IBIS and more performance is on tap be it autofocus, FPS, or resolution).

.

At the end of the day the EOS R buys you a seat at the RF table. I personally use it with the RF 28-70 f/2L USM which is an event workhorse, but, really it pairs better with cheaper non-L RF glass. It's relatively inexpensive used, and likely will be knocked down shortly on Canon refurb sales entering the holiday season. The LP-E6 battery is plentiful, the large EVF is satisfying, just be mindful of the camera's limits and it'll treat you well.

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Some samples...

More samples from the EOS R (original):

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmEcbaYt

Love your sample photos!

Wing2 wrote:

RF 100-400 and 24-240 are not STM, they are USM

Apologies, you are correct. Nano-USM to be precise.

In my opinion the RF 24-105 f/4.0 L IS USM fits the R nicely, as both lens and camera are great for landscapes.

For posed portraits the R is also fine. 50&85 f/1.2 L lenses are great for portraits too. Just keep the shutter speed at 1/250th or faster....   Maybe there's one thing missing: a dedicated DOF preview button.

RLight wrote:

Thought I'd take a moment in hindsight and write a snippet about best use of the EOS R and whom it's best suited.

Who: Advanced amateurs; entry full frame option, particularly those who want to do landscape work, and/or more advanced portrait work (vs the EOS RP)

Thanks for starting this thread. I bought an RP with the intention of upgrading as prices became more affordable. It seems that you are recommending the R rather than the R6 as a next step, and I appreciate the advice.

But I would like to know what advantages to expect from trading up from the RP to the R, please.

Many thanks!

David

I have been considering M6 mk II for some considerable time now but since the price difference between it and the R is not that big anymore that maybe the R would be a better choice for me

davidwien wrote:

RLight wrote:

Thought I'd take a moment in hindsight and write a snippet about best use of the EOS R and whom it's best suited.

Who: Advanced amateurs; entry full frame option, particularly those who want to do landscape work, and/or more advanced portrait work (vs the EOS RP)

Thanks for starting this thread. I bought an RP with the intention of upgrading as prices became more affordable. It seems that you are recommending the R rather than the R6 as a next step, and I appreciate the advice.

But I would like to know what advantages to expect from trading up from the RP to the R, please.

Many thanks!

David

This is a good resource here...

https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/canon-rp-vs-canon-r

The main upgrades of the R, in no order:

30MP vs 26MP

13.5EV of Dynamic Range vs 11.9EV of Dynamic Range (that's quite a bit more btw); it's important for landscape shooters that are pulling on highlights in RAW files

Larger Battery

Higher quality, larger EVF

Same for the LCD

Bigger grip

1/8000 vs 1/4000 max mechanical shutter; matters if shooting fast glass in bright conditions.

8FPS in Single Shot vs 5FPS, or, 5FPS in AI-Servo vs 4FPS

Auto-closing sensor protector

.

Now many of these advantages are shared by the R6, and, the R6 exceeds the R in many regarding including IBIS, FPS, AF joystick, etc. But, the R6 is quite a bit more, and, is less megapixels. So it really depends on price, and what you plan to shoot with. The R is more powerful vs the RP in virtually every regard, and, can be found usually relatively not much more than the RP, used.

The main reason in my book to go RP, size/weight and that traditional PASM dial. Otherwise the R for a little more, is a more capable body. The big differences are dynamic range, battery life and that 1/8000 shutter speed. Otherwise the advantages of the R are incremental and you’re not wrong to consider the R6 (which shares those advantages).

RLight wrote:

davidwien wrote:

RLight wrote:

Thought I'd take a moment in hindsight and write a snippet about best use of the EOS R and whom it's best suited.

Who: Advanced amateurs; entry full frame option, particularly those who want to do landscape work, and/or more advanced portrait work (vs the EOS RP)

Thanks for starting this thread. I bought an RP with the intention of upgrading as prices became more affordable. It seems that you are recommending the R rather than the R6 as a next step, and I appreciate the advice.

But I would like to know what advantages to expect from trading up from the RP to the R, please.

Many thanks!

David

This is a good resource here...

https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/canon-rp-vs-canon-r

The main upgrades of the R, in no order:

30MP vs 26MP

13.5EV of Dynamic Range vs 11.9EV of Dynamic Range (that's quite a bit more btw); it's important for landscape shooters that are pulling on highlights in RAW files

Larger Battery

Higher quality, larger EVF

Same for the LCD

Bigger grip

1/8000 vs 1/4000 max mechanical shutter; matters if shooting fast glass in bright conditions.

8FPS in Single Shot vs 5FPS, or, 5FPS in AI-Servo vs 4FPS

Auto-closing sensor protector

.

Now many of these advantages are shared by the R6, and, the R6 exceeds the R in many regarding including IBIS, FPS, AF joystick, etc. But, the R6 is quite a bit more, and, is less megapixels. So it really depends on price, and what you plan to shoot with. The R is more powerful vs the RP in virtually every regard, and, can be found usually relatively not much more than the RP, used.

The main reason in my book to go RP, size/weight and that traditional PASM dial. Otherwise the R for a little more, is a more capable body. The big differences are dynamic range, battery life and that 1/8000 shutter speed. Otherwise the advantages of the R are incremental and you’re not wrong to consider the R6 (which shares those advantages).

size and weight and glass and price

I like the size, weight, and colors of my RP with my RF 24-105 F4L

I got my RP for $850 and my RF 24-105 L for $899 during xmas sales

The match of body and glass

I don't think it makes sense to put an enormous RF 28-70 f2 on the R body. It is a PJ - pro lens for a pro body. I'd sell it.

I'd keep your RF 35 F1.8 IS

I'd get the R6

I'd get the RF 24-105 F4 L

I'd get the M6II with the staples -- 11-22 and m32

I'd get the RF 100-400

now you've got the classic trio of portrait primes covered with shallow dof and bokeh: 35 FOV, 50 FOV (with the M6II and 32), 85 FOV

And you have the best 24-105 F4 zoom ever made covered

And you have 18 -23 mm covered with the 11-22

and you have 100 -400 FOV covered.

18 -400 FOV covered with 6 lenses and two bodies

And you have classic 35 and 85 coverage on the FF

and you have light carry with the M6II

and you have single lens carry on the R6 with the RF 24-105 F4 L

and you get pro quality auto focus with the R6.

just my 2 cents of what I would do if I were younger

RLight wrote:

davidwien wrote:

RLight wrote:

Thought I'd take a moment in hindsight and write a snippet about best use of the EOS R and whom it's best suited.

Who: Advanced amateurs; entry full frame option, particularly those who want to do landscape work, and/or more advanced portrait work (vs the EOS RP)

Thanks for starting this thread. I bought an RP with the intention of upgrading as prices became more affordable. It seems that you are recommending the R rather than the R6 as a next step, and I appreciate the advice.

But I would like to know what advantages to expect from trading up from the RP to the R, please.

Many thanks!

David

This is a good resource here...

https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/canon-rp-vs-canon-r

The main upgrades of the R, in no order:

30MP vs 26MP

13.5EV of Dynamic Range vs 11.9EV of Dynamic Range (that's quite a bit more btw); it's important for landscape shooters that are pulling on highlights in RAW files

Larger Battery

Higher quality, larger EVF

Same for the LCD

Bigger grip

1/8000 vs 1/4000 max mechanical shutter; matters if shooting fast glass in bright conditions.

8FPS in Single Shot vs 5FPS, or, 5FPS in AI-Servo vs 4FPS

Auto-closing sensor protector

.

Now many of these advantages are shared by the R6, and, the R6 exceeds the R in many regarding including IBIS, FPS, AF joystick, etc. But, the R6 is quite a bit more, and, is less megapixels. So it really depends on price, and what you plan to shoot with. The R is more powerful vs the RP in virtually every regard, and, can be found usually relatively not much more than the RP, used.

The main reason in my book to go RP, size/weight and that traditional PASM dial. Otherwise the R for a little more, is a more capable body. The big differences are dynamic range, battery life and that 1/8000 shutter speed. Otherwise the advantages of the R are incremental and you’re not wrong to consider the R6 (which shares those advantages).

Thanks for the link. I find there the usual "bare and unconvincing narrative", i.e. a list that does not tell me whether I should be able to take better pictures with the R. (Not your fault!)

The features that I find attractive are the weather sealing, higher dynamic range and the sensor protector. Otherwise, I have no problem with the RP defaults. As I never use the LCD when shooting, and cannot see well in any viewfinder, I am not certain that more resolution there would be a help for me. What I really miss is the eye-controlled focus of my EOS3, but for that I need the R3!

David

davidwien wrote:

RLight wrote:

davidwien wrote:

RLight wrote:

Thought I'd take a moment in hindsight and write a snippet about best use of the EOS R and whom it's best suited.

Who: Advanced amateurs; entry full frame option, particularly those who want to do landscape work, and/or more advanced portrait work (vs the EOS RP)

Thanks for starting this thread. I bought an RP with the intention of upgrading as prices became more affordable. It seems that you are recommending the R rather than the R6 as a next step, and I appreciate the advice.

But I would like to know what advantages to expect from trading up from the RP to the R, please.

Many thanks!

David

This is a good resource here...

https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/canon-rp-vs-canon-r

The main upgrades of the R, in no order:

30MP vs 26MP

13.5EV of Dynamic Range vs 11.9EV of Dynamic Range (that's quite a bit more btw); it's important for landscape shooters that are pulling on highlights in RAW files

Larger Battery

Higher quality, larger EVF

Same for the LCD

Bigger grip

1/8000 vs 1/4000 max mechanical shutter; matters if shooting fast glass in bright conditions.

8FPS in Single Shot vs 5FPS, or, 5FPS in AI-Servo vs 4FPS

Auto-closing sensor protector

.

Now many of these advantages are shared by the R6, and, the R6 exceeds the R in many regarding including IBIS, FPS, AF joystick, etc. But, the R6 is quite a bit more, and, is less megapixels. So it really depends on price, and what you plan to shoot with. The R is more powerful vs the RP in virtually every regard, and, can be found usually relatively not much more than the RP, used.

The main reason in my book to go RP, size/weight and that traditional PASM dial. Otherwise the R for a little more, is a more capable body. The big differences are dynamic range, battery life and that 1/8000 shutter speed. Otherwise the advantages of the R are incremental and you’re not wrong to consider the R6 (which shares those advantages).

Thanks for the link. I find there the usual "bare and unconvincing narrative", i.e. a list that does not tell me whether I should be able to take better pictures with the R. (Not your fault!)

The features that I find attractive are the weather sealing, higher dynamic range and the sensor protector. Otherwise, I have no problem with the RP defaults. As I never use the LCD when shooting, and cannot see well in any viewfinder, I am not certain that more resolution there would be a help for me. What I really miss is the eye-controlled focus of my EOS3, but for that I need the R3!

David

A better camera will not improve your best pictures.  It will enable you to get a higher percentage of your best pictures relative to the total number of pictures you take.  It will enable you to get your best pictures in more conditions, such as lower light and higher contrast situations.  But your best pictures will be no better.

Such is true of any camera upgrade.

The R is ideal for the studio retail portraiture that I do. There's nothing the R5 or R6 can do for a posed portrait that the R can't do (and the slightly greater resolution of the R5 sensor is not yet relevant--we we talk about 60mp, we'll be talking relevancy).

Neither the R6 or the R5 would make me a dime more money than the R. Not a dime more money.

I disagree, however, that the best RF L lenses are too much for the R, when the R is used under its ideal circumstances.

I still want to be able to read the tattoo on cousin Pat's shoulder in a loosely posed family group.

Generally reasonable advice, except for the bit about L lenses. Great lenses aren’t wasted on any body that can take them. When I was pondering buying my first DSLR in 2004, my budget allowed either the 20D (my dream camera at the time) and a couple of consumer grade zooms, or the 300D (original Digital Rebel) and a couple of L zooms. Everyone advised me to get the Rebel and L lenses (except the idiots who couldn’t understand that some of us really don’t have unlimited money to spend on our hobby, or anything else). It was the single best piece of advice I’ve ever seen on these forums. I did eventually get the 20D (still have it), and loved it, but only after quite a while shooting great lenses on the cheapest (at the time) DSLR on the market, and getting great results, a couple of which still hang on my walls in 30” X 20” poster prints (no, you don’t need 45, 30, 20, or even 12 megapixels to make large prints, 6.3MP actually works quite well).

RP + RF 50mm f/1.2 L will work perfect too.  All you need is an ND filter to solve the cut off bokeh problems as there's only EFSC.  RP, 24-105 stm, 35mm f/1.8 IS stm and that 50mm L just to have one killer portrait lens. If you're doing posed portraits only it makes sense.