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
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
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 3.5 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 75 cm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.37 × vs 0.12 ×)
- ARF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 85mm F1.4 L VCM has lower Length (99.3 mm vs 118 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
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
⌀76 × 118 mm
540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 19mm shorter and 1mm wider than 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.
RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM is 96 g heavier than 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.
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
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM supports it
- ✓
Length
99.3 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 75 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.12 × — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
540 g vs 636 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 76.5 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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
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 F1.4 L VCM and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.