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
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
FE 50mm F1.4 GM is 4.7 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.15 ×)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Length (78 mm vs 131 mm)
- BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.4 vs f/2)
- BFE 50mm F1.4 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.4 vs f/2)
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 F2 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 131 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 580 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
79 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.4 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.4 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.4 GM 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
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 35 cm — 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 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
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 F2 Macro IS STM and FE 50mm F1.4 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
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 May 2026.