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 F2 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
An affordable portrait and macro hybrid — f/2 aperture, 0.5x magnification, and 5-stop IS in a compact package.
$599
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is 1.7 years newer.
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Wins
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (500 g vs 1430 g)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.21 ×)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Length (78 mm vs 140 mm)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Diameter (79 mm vs 104 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 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 F2 Macro IS STM
⌀79 × 78 mm
500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
RF 28-70mm F2L USM is 62mm longer and 25mm wider than RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM.
RF 28-70mm F2L USM is 930 g heavier than RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM.
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, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 28-70mm F2L USM supports it
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 1430 g — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
79 mm vs 104 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
35 cm vs 39 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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 F2 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Excellent value for portrait and close-up work
- ✓0.5x macro magnification built in
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Compact and lightweight (500g)
Cons
- –f/2 not as shallow as f/1.2 L lenses
- –Plastic construction, not L-series
- –AF slightly slower than USM lenses
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 28-70mm F2L USM and RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed October 2026.