Canon
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF Mount
The world's first f/2 standard zoom — unmatched low-light performance and shallow depth of field across the range.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Oct 2018
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 85mm F1.2L USM is 4 months newer.
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Wins
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Min focus distance (39 cm vs 85 cm)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has higher Max magnification (0.21 × vs 0.12 ×)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Weight (1195 g vs 1430 g)
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 28-70mm F2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 UD
- ✓
Min focus distance
39 cm vs 85 cm — 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
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1195 g vs 1430 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
103 mm vs 104 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 28-70mm F2L USM
Pros
- ✓Constant f/2 aperture — unique among standard zooms
- ✓Exceptional low-light and indoor event performance
- ✓Outstanding build quality and weather sealing
- ✓Fast Ring USM autofocus
Cons
- –Extremely heavy (1430g) — not for casual carry
- –Highest price in the standard zoom category
- –No optical image stabilization
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 28-70mm F2L USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2L 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.