Canon
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
The affordable nifty fifty for RF — compact, sharp, and perfect for beginners exploring prime lenses.
$199
Launch priceReleased Nov 2020
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 50mm F1.8 STM is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 1195 g)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 117 mm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 85 cm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.12 ×)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/1.8)
Key specs at a glance
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 F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 mm vs 117 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 85mm F1.2L USM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 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 50mm F1.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Incredible value at under $200
- ✓Very compact and lightweight (only 160g)
- ✓Sharp enough for most everyday photography
- ✓Silent STM motor ideal for video
Cons
- –Plastic build feels basic
- –No weather sealing
- –Narrow maximum aperture vs L-series primes
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 50mm F1.8 STM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 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 May 2026.