Canon
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's flagship 50mm f/1.2 prime — extraordinary resolution and creamy bokeh for portraits and low light.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Dec 2018
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S — 85mm f/1.2 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Apr 2023
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is 4.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 85 cm)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has higher Max magnification (0.19 × vs 0.11 ×)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Length (108 mm vs 141 mm)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Diameter (89 mm vs 103 mm)
- ARF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Weight (950 g vs 995 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
⌀89 × 108 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
⌀103 × 141 mm
995 g (2.19 lb / 35.10 oz)
RF 50mm F1.2L USM is 33mm shorter and 14mm narrower than NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S.
RF 50mm F1.2L USM is 45 g lighter than NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S.
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 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 141 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
89 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.19 × vs 0.11 × — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
950 g vs 995 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 ED
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S supports it
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/1.2
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/1.2
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 9 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
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
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
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 50mm F1.2L USM and NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.