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
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
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 1.1 years newer.
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Wins
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 35 cm)
- ARF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has lower Length (78 mm vs 118 mm)
- 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
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
⌀79 × 78 mm
500 g (1.10 lb / 17.64 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 F2 Macro IS STM is 40mm shorter and 3mm wider than 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.
RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is 40 g lighter 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 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
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
78 mm vs 118 mm — lower is better
- ✓
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 0.37 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 35 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 79 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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
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 F2 Macro IS STM and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed October 2026.