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
Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 3.2 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 85 cm)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.12 ×)
- ARF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 85mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (695 g vs 1195 g)
Key specs at a glance
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
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 120 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Weight
695 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
88 mm vs 103 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 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
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 85mm F1.2L USM and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.