Canon
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
An incredibly compact, extending telephoto zoom with L-series optics and 5 stops of stabilization.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2019
Canon
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
An affordable portrait and macro hybrid — f/2 aperture, 0.5x magnification, and 5-stop IS in a compact package.
$599
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is 9 months newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.23 ×)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (500 g vs 1070 g)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (35 cm vs 70 cm)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Length (78 mm vs 146 mm)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
35 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 146 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
79 mm vs 90 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Unbelievably compact storage size thanks to extending barrel
- ✓Very lightweight design (only 1070g)
- ✓Excellent center sharpness at all focal lengths
- ✓Dual Nano USM focus motors offer fast, silent AF
- ✓Exceptional 5-stop optical image stabilization
Cons
- –Extending barrel can draw in dust/moisture over time
- –Not compatible with RF teleconverters (due to rear element position)
- –Vignetting is quite heavy wide open
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Excellent value for portrait and close-up work
- ✓0.5x macro magnification built in
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Compact and lightweight (500g)
Cons
- –f/2 not as shallow as f/1.2 L lenses
- –Plastic construction, not L-series
- –AF slightly slower than USM lenses
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.