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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Sony E Mount
The standard telephoto zoom, completely redesigned to be 29% lighter and significantly sharper.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Length (78 mm vs 200 mm)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (500 g vs 1045 g)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.3 ×)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
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
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 1045 g — lower is better
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
35 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Aspherical, 1 Super ED…
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Pros
- ✓Extremely lightweight for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom (only 1045g)
- ✓Virtually instantaneous and silent autofocus with 4 XD Linear motors
- ✓Stunning optical performance and contrast across entire range
- ✓Outstanding built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization
- ✓Dedicated physical aperture ring with click and lock switches
Cons
- –Very high price tag
- –Lens hood is bulky and can block storage space easily
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.