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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Sony E Mount
The standard telephoto zoom, completely redesigned to be 29% lighter and significantly sharper.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is 2.7 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has higher OIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has higher Max magnification (0.3 × 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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 85 cm)
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
- ✓
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
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 85mm F1.2L USM supports it
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
4.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Super ED, 2 ED
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
88 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1045 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Pros
- ✓Extremely lightweight for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom (only 1045g)
- ✓Virtually instantaneous and silent autofocus with 4 XD Linear motors
- ✓Stunning optical performance and contrast across entire range
- ✓Outstanding built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization
- ✓Dedicated physical aperture ring with click and lock switches
Cons
- –Very high price tag
- –Lens hood is bulky and can block storage space easily
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 85mm F1.2L USM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.