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
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 6 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Weight (636 g vs 1195 g)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Diameter (76.5 mm vs 103 mm)
- BRF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Length (99.3 mm vs 117 mm)
- ARF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/1.4)
- ARF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/1.4)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 85mm F1.2L USM
⌀103 × 117 mm
1195 g (2.63 lb / 42.15 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 85mm F1.2L USM is 18mm longer and 27mm wider than RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM.
RF 85mm F1.2L USM is 559 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 85mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.4 — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Weight
636 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
99.3 mm vs 117 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
75 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max magnification
Both 0.12 ×
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 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
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 85mm F1.2L USM and RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L 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.