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
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 F1.4 L VCM is 4.6 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
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 75 cm)
- ARF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2)
- ARF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
⌀77 × 99 mm
636 g (1.40 lb / 22.43 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
⌀79 × 78 mm
500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 oz)
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 21mm longer and 3mm narrower than RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM.
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 136 g heavier than RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM.
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 F1.4 L VCM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 mm vs 79 mm — 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 75 cm — 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 99.3 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 636 g — 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 F1.4 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
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 F1.4 L VCM and RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
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 June 2026.