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 F1.4 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 6.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Weight (636 g vs 1430 g)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Min focus distance (39 cm vs 75 cm)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has higher Max magnification (0.21 × vs 0.12 ×)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
⌀104 × 140 mm
1430 g (3.15 lb / 50.44 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 28-70mm F2L USM is 41mm longer and 28mm wider than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
RF 28-70mm F2L USM is 794 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 28-70mm F2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 UD
- ✓
Min focus distance
39 cm vs 75 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.21 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Weight
636 g vs 1430 g — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
99.3 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 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 F1.4 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 28-70mm F2L USM and RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.