Canon · RF

RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM

Released October 2020

A full-frame RF portrait prime with f/2 aperture, optical stabilisation and half life-size close-up focusing.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
85 mm
Max aperture
f/2
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
500 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews find sharp images at f/2, useful close-ups and effective stabilisation, while noting audible stills autofocus and absent weather seals. Cameralabs likes the rendering and versatile portrait-and-close-up role. OpticalLimits finds some busy background blur and colour fringing, and criticises slight movement in the extending focus barrel. Cameralabs measures less stabilisation than Canon claims, though still finds it beneficial.

From opticallimits.com, cameralabs.com and cameralabs.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
85 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2
Minimum aperture
f/29
Macro lens
Yes
Optical construction
12 elements in 11 groups
Special elements
One UD element
Diaphragm
Nine blades, circular aperture

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon RF mount, full-frame image circle

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.35 m
Maximum magnification
0.5×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
STM autofocus, electronic manual focus and full-time manual focusing
Focus distance detail
Minimum focusing distance 0.35 m; three-position focus limiter; barrel extends towards close focus
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.5× reproduction, equivalent to half life-size
Stabilisation detail
Hybrid optical IS corrects angular and shift shake; five-stop optical rating on EOS R under CIPA at 85 mm, or eight stops coordinated with EOS R5 sensor IS under CIPA at 85 mm

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
No
Filter diameter
67 mm
Maximum diameter
78 mm
Length
90.5 mm
Weight
500 g
Controls
Separate customisable control ring and focus ring, focus limiter, AF/MF and IS switches
Weather resistance
OpticalLimits and Cameralabs report no weather sealing
Dimensions detail
Approximately 78 mm maximum diameter × 90.5 mm length
Weight detail
Approximately 500 g lens
Lens hood
ET-77, sold separately
In the box
Lens, E-67 II front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual kit
Release detail
October 2020 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/2 maximum aperture
  • 0.5× maximum magnification
  • Hybrid optical image stabilisation

Cons

  • No weather seals
  • Lens hood sold separately

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF85 mmf/1.2No1,195 gJun 2019
Canon RF85 mmf/1.2No1,195 gDec 2019
Canon RF100 mmf/2.8Yes685 gJul 2021

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-85mm-f2-macro-is-stm/4234C005
  2. personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf85-f2/spec
  3. personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf85-f2
  4. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf496.html
  5. opticallimits.com/canon/canon-rf-85mm-f-2-stm-is-macro-review-30mp
  6. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-85mm-f2-macro-is-stm-review
  7. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-85mm-f2-macro-is-stm-review/3

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF85mm f2 IS STM_Slant.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

Spot a mistake? Tell us