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
Tamron
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Sony E Mount
An incredibly popular third-party zoom updated with vastly improved sharpness and autofocus.
$899
Launch priceReleased Aug 2021
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 2.5 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 85 cm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.37 × 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)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Weight (540 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
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 85mm F1.2L USM supports it
- ✓
Length
117 mm vs 118 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
540 g vs 1195 g — lower is better
- ✓
Custom function button
Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.12 × — higher 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
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Pros
- ✓Superb value for money compared to first-party options
- ✓Excellent sharpness throughout the range, even at f/2.8
- ✓Very lightweight and compact (only 540g)
- ✓Fast VXD linear motor focus drive
- ✓Customizable lens functions via Tamron Lens Utility software
Cons
- –Starts at 28mm instead of the wider 24mm standard
- –Slightly weaker corner sharpness at 75mm wide open
- –Weather sealing is basic compared to Sony GM lenses
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 85mm F1.2L USM and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.