Canon
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM — 800mm f/5.6 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$16,999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2022
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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Min focus distance (85 cm vs 400 cm)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/5.6)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/5.6)
- BRF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Length (117 mm vs 432 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
⌀140 × 432 mm
3140 g (6.92 lb / 110.76 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 315mm longer and 37mm wider than RF 85mm F1.2L USM.
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 1945 g heavier 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
4.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Fluorite, 2 Super UD
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.14 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Min focus distance
85 cm vs 400 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 432 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1195 g vs 3140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Diameter
103 mm vs 140 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 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 F1.2L 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
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 June 2026.