Canon
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
World's smallest RF lens — 120g pancake with STM AF and 0.23m close focus.
$299
Launch priceReleased May 2023
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 28mm F2.8 STM is 4.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Weight (120 g vs 1195 g)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Length (24.7 mm vs 117 mm)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Min focus distance (23 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)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 28mm F2.8 STM
⌀69 × 25 mm
120 g (0.26 lb / 4.23 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
⌀103 × 117 mm
1195 g (2.63 lb / 42.15 oz)
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 92mm shorter and 34mm narrower than RF 85mm F1.2L USM.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 1075 g lighter than RF 85mm F1.2L USM.
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 28mm F2.8 STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 PMo
- ✓
Weight
120 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
24.7 mm vs 117 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
23 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
69.2 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.17 × 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
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 85mm F1.2L USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 85mm F1.2L USM supports it
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Canon RF mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
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 28mm F2.8 STM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM
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 June 2026.