Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM has more in its favour on paper. The RF 85mm f/1.2L USM gathers more light for low light and background blur; the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is lighter and cheaper.
Choose the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM for
- less weight (500g vs 1195g)
- a lower price (about £360 vs £1,540)
- optical stabilisation
Choose the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.2, about 1.5 stops more light)
- weather sealing
| RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM | RF 85mm f/1.2L USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.2 |
| Weight | 500 g | 1195 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes |
| Filter size | 67mm | 82mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £599 | £2,799 |
| Used at MPB (Canon RF / RF-S) | £239–£489 | £1,339–£1,739 |
More lens comparisons
See all Canon RF / RF-S cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM better than the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM?
The RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM offers less weight (500g vs 1195g), a lower price (about £360 vs £1,540), optical stabilisation; the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.2, about 1.5 stops more light), weather sealing.
Which is better value, the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM or the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM?
On Canon RF / RF-S, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM costs about £360 against about £1,540 for the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.2 worth it over f/2?
f/1.2 gathers about 1.5 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon RF / RF-S.