Canon
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's professional ultra-wide zoom with constant f/2.8 and 5-stop IS for landscapes, architecture, and events.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Nov 2019
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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 9 months newer.
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Wins
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (28 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)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.21 × vs 0.12 ×)
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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 2 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
28 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
840 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
89 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.21 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
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
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 128 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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Ultra-wide 16mm perspective for dramatic landscapes
- ✓Constant f/2.8 aperture across entire range
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Excellent weather sealing for outdoor work
Cons
- –Bulky and heavy (840g)
- –Some barrel distortion at 16mm
- –Premium L-series 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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 16-35mm F2.8L 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.