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 F1.4 L VCM
Canon RF Mount
Hybrid L-series 85mm with VCM autofocus, manual iris ring, and weather sealing.
$1,649
Launch priceReleased Feb 2025
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 3.8 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
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 75 cm)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
⌀82 × 148 mm
730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
⌀77 × 99 mm
636 g (1.40 lb / 22.43 oz)
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 49mm longer and 6mm wider than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 94 g heavier than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
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 75 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Length
99.3 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
636 g vs 730 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 mm vs 82 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 F1.4 L VCM
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.