Canon
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's first RF macro with 1.4x magnification and spherical aberration control for stunning close-up detail.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Apr 2021
Canon
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF Mount
The definitive portrait prime for RF — f/1.2 aperture delivers unmatched subject separation and dreamy backgrounds.
$2,699
Launch priceReleased Feb 2019
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 2.2 years newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 0.12 ×)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Min focus distance (26 cm vs 85 cm)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
26 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
730 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
82 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Pros
- ✓1.4x maximum magnification (industry-leading for macro)
- ✓Spherical Aberration Control for adjustable bokeh
- ✓5-stop Hybrid IS for handheld macro
- ✓Doubles as a sharp 100mm portrait lens
Cons
- –Complex SA control ring adds learning curve
- –Heavy for macro work (730g)
- –Premium macro pricing
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Pros
- ✓Class-leading portrait focal length with f/1.2 aperture
- ✓Exceptional subject isolation and bokeh quality
- ✓Excellent eye-AF tracking on Canon R bodies
- ✓Premium L-series weather sealing
Cons
- –Very heavy (1195g) — tiring for handheld sessions
- –Expensive flagship pricing
- –No built-in stabilization
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.