Canon RF 28–70mm F2 L 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

RF 28–70mm F2 L USM compared with RF 85mm F1.4L VCM
CanonRF 28–70mm F2 L USMCanonRF 85mm F1.4L VCM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2018September 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length28–70 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical constructionNineteen elements in thirteen groups14 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsTwo ground and polished aspherical elements, two glass-moulded aspherical elements, one Super UD and two UD elementsOne UD and one glass-moulded aspherical element
CoatingsSWC and ASC coatings; front and rearmost surface fluorine coatingsASC 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 aperture blades11 circular aperture blades
Angle of view75°–34° diagonal24° horizontal, 16° vertical and 28°30′ diagonal on full frame
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R camerasCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle; stills iris-ring support is body/firmware dependent
Teleconverter support–Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.39 m0.75 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.12×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; ring-type USM drive (OpticalLimits)Voice Coil Motor autofocus; electronic manual focus; maker notes movement/noise in unpowered internal VCM components is normal
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.39 m–
Magnification detailMaximum 0.18×–
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser (OpticalLimits and Digital Camera World)No 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 diameter95 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter103.8 mm76.5 mm
Length139.8 mm99.3 mm
Weight1,430 g636 g (better)
ControlsSeparate zoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable lens control ringsCustomisable 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
Zoom designBarrel extends towards the long end of the zoom range (OpticalLimits)–
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with front and rear fluorine coatingsDust 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 detail103.8 mm maximum diameter × 139.8 mm length with barrel retractedApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 1430 g lensApproximately 636 g lens
Lens hoodEW-103 hood includedET-73C; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessories
In the boxLens, E-95 front cap, RF dust cap, EW-103 hood, LP1424 lens case and user manual–
Release detailDecember 2018 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumCanon Japan specifies first sale on 27 September 2025; no UK first-sale day inferred

More comparisons