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
Sony
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Sony E Mount
FE 50mm F1.4 GM — 50mm f/1.4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Mar 2025
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 75 cm)
- ARF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Length (99.3 mm vs 131 mm)
- BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has higher Max magnification (0.15 × vs 0.12 ×)
- BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has lower Weight (580 g vs 636 g)
- ARF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Diameter (76.5 mm vs 81 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
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
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
⌀81 × 131 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 32mm shorter and 5mm narrower than FE 50mm F1.4 GM.
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 56 g heavier than FE 50mm F1.4 GM.
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 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Length
99.3 mm vs 131 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76.5 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.4 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 75 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
580 g vs 636 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.15 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/1.4
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/1.4
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
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
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
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
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM and FE 50mm F1.4 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.