Canon
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF Mount
Flagship RF 50mm f/1.2 L prime with Ring USM, 15-element design, and weather-sealed L-series build.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Dec 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 6.2 years newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 75 cm)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has higher Max magnification (0.19 × vs 0.12 ×)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Weight (636 g vs 950 g)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Diameter (76.5 mm vs 89.8 mm)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/1.4)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
⌀90 × 108 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 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 50mm F1.2L USM is 9mm longer and 13mm wider than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
RF 50mm F1.2L USM is 314 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 50mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 75 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.19 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Weight
636 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 mm vs 89.8 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
99.3 mm vs 108 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 50mm F1.2L USM
Pros
- ✓Stunning sharpness even wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Beautiful, smooth bokeh with 10 rounded aperture blades
- ✓Fast and accurate Dual Pixel AF with Ring USM
- ✓Weather-sealed L-series construction
Cons
- –Heavy for a 50mm prime (950g)
- –Premium price for a single focal length
- –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 50mm F1.2L USM and RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L 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.