Canon
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
800mm super-telephoto with built-in 1.4× extender (1120mm F8) and Dual Nano USM autofocus.
$16,999
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
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 2.8 years newer.
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Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Weight (636 g vs 3140 g)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Length (99.3 mm vs 432 mm)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/5.6)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/5.6)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
⌀163 × 432 mm
3140 g (6.92 lb / 110.76 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 333mm longer and 87mm wider than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 2504 g heavier 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Fluorite, 2 UD
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.34 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Weight
636 g vs 3140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
99.3 mm vs 432 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
75 cm vs 260 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 mm vs 163 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
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.