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 F1.4 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 4.2 years newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 636 g)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 75 cm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 99.3 mm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.12 ×)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/1.8)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
⌀70 × 41 mm
160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 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 F1.8 STM is 58mm shorter and 7mm narrower than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
RF 50mm F1.8 STM is 476 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 50mm F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 636 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 75 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 mm vs 99.3 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 76.5 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
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 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 F1.4 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 F1.8 STM and RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 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.