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 F1.4 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 2.9 years newer.
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Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Min focus distance (75 cm vs 400 cm)
- 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)
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 F1.4 L VCM
⌀77 × 99 mm
636 g (1.40 lb / 22.43 oz)
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 333mm longer and 64mm 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
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
- ✓
Max magnification
0.14 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Min focus distance
75 cm vs 400 cm — lower is better
- ✓
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
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 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
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.