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 F2 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
An affordable portrait and macro hybrid — f/2 aperture, 0.5x magnification, and 5-stop IS in a compact package.
$599
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.12 ×)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (35 cm vs 85 cm)
- BRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (500 g vs 1195 g)
- ARF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
The $2,100 price difference centers on the f/1.2 maximum aperture found in the RF 85mm F1.2L USM.
Choose the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM if you require a weather-sealed build for shooting in outdoor environments. Its 13-element optical design includes both UD and aspherical elements to maintain image quality at its widest f/1.2 aperture.
Choose the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM if you need a lightweight 500g prime with 5-stop optical image stabilization for handheld use. This lens is better suited for close-up work due to its 0.5x maximum magnification and significantly shorter 35cm minimum focusing distance.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 85mm F1.2L USM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
35 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 117 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
79 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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 F2 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Excellent value for portrait and close-up work
- ✓0.5x macro magnification built in
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Compact and lightweight (500g)
Cons
- –f/2 not as shallow as f/1.2 L lenses
- –Plastic construction, not L-series
- –AF slightly slower than USM lenses
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 85mm F1.2L USM and RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.