Canon
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM — 70–200mm f/4 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$1,899
Launch priceReleased Dec 2021
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 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 2.8 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
- ARF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.12 ×)
- ARF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has lower Weight (700 g vs 1195 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
⌀84 × 146 mm
700 g (1.54 lb / 24.69 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
⌀103 × 117 mm
1195 g (2.63 lb / 42.15 oz)
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 29mm longer and 20mm narrower than RF 85mm F1.2L USM.
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 495 g lighter than RF 85mm F1.2L USM.
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 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Aspherical, 1 Super UD
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
700 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
83.5 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
80 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 146 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 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
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 70-200mm F4 L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.