Canon
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM — 35mm f/1.2 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Dec 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 1.6 years newer.
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Wins
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
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 higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.17 ×)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (500 g vs 950 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
- ARF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
⌀89 × 112 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 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 35mm F1.2 L USM is 34mm longer and 10mm wider than RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM.
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM is 450 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 35mm F1.2 L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 111.5 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
35 cm vs 50 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
79 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
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 35mm F1.2 L USM and RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.2 L 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 June 2026.