Canon
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
A versatile wide-angle prime with 0.5x macro — perfect for street, travel, and close-up photography on a budget.
$499
Launch priceReleased Nov 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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (17 cm vs 75 cm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.12 ×)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 636 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 99.3 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
⌀74 × 63 mm
305 g (0.67 lb / 10.76 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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is 36mm shorter and 3mm narrower than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is 331 g lighter 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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 75 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 636 g — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 99.3 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 76.5 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 vs f/1.8 — 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 F1.8 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Versatile 35mm focal length for street and travel
- ✓0.5x macro capability in a compact prime
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Affordable entry into RF primes
Cons
- –f/1.8 not as impressive as f/1.4 alternatives
- –Some distortion and vignetting wide open
- –Plastic build, no weather sealing
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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
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.