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Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm F1.4L VCM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USMCanonRF 85mm F1.4L VCM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017September 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups14 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to CanonOne UD and one glass-moulded aspherical element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to CanonASC and Super Spectra; fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detail–f/1.4–16 with stepless iris ring; no click-stop option (Amateur Photographer)
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular aperture11 circular aperture blades
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical24° horizontal, 16° vertical and 28°30′ diagonal on full frame
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle; stills iris-ring support is body/firmware dependent
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheetCanon RF extenders not compatible
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.85 m0.75 m
Maximum magnification0.12×0.12×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKVoice Coil Motor autofocus; electronic manual focus; maker notes movement/noise in unpowered internal VCM components is normal
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzine–
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes–
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to CanonNo lens optical IS; maker separately lists camera IBIS CIPA-2024 performance of eight stops at the centre and seven at the corners under its camera/test conditions
Video features–Optically suppressed focus breathing and stepless iris control; UK maker footnote excludes stills iris-ring operation on EOS R/RP/Ra/R3/R5/R6/R6 Mark II/R7/R8/R10/R50/R100/R5 C even with current firmware
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.6 mm76.5 mm
Length105.4 mm99.3 mm
Weight950 g636 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markingsCustomisable control ring, focus ring, iris ring with Auto-position lock, function button and AF/MF switch (Amateur Photographer)
Filter detail–67 mm front screw-in filter thread; compatible Canon 67 mm Protect and PL-C B circular polarising filters
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UKDust and moisture resistant with mount gasket; Canon states protection requires attachment to a camera and cannot prevent all dust or water ingress; no waterproof/IP rating inferred
Dimensions detail88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to CanonApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length
Weight detail–Approximately 636 g lens
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKET-73C; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessories
In the boxLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not givenCanon Japan specifies first sale on 27 September 2025; no UK first-sale day inferred

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