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Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM

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Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS

Macro Prime | Canon RF

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
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Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon RF

Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Canon lenses lenses with different focal types: Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS is a Macro Prime lens with a 100mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 whereas Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM is a Telephoto Prime lens with a 85mm focal range and max aperture of F1.2.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS Key Specs

  • 100mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 730g.
  • Diameter: 82mm
  • Length: 148mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.26m
  • Max Magnification:1.4x

Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Key Specs

  • 85mm Focal Range
  • F1.2 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 1195g.
  • Diameter: 103mm
  • Length: 117mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.85m
  • Max Magnification:0.12x

What type of photography are the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS and the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Bird/WildlifeAverageAverage
SportsAverageGood
PortraitGoodExcellent
TravelFairFair
StreetFairAverage
WeddingGoodVery Good
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingFairAverage
LandscapeFairFair
MacroVery GoodPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS is the longer of the two lenses at 148mm. The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM with a length of 117mm is 31mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM has a larger diameter of 103mm compared to Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS's 82mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS weighs 730g, which means it is 465g (38%) lighter than the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM which has a weight of 1195g.


Lens Mounts

Both Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM has the same Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon RF lenses are Canon R6 II, Canon R10 and Canon R7.

Focal Range

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 100mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 160mm.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 136mm.

Reasons to choose Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM over Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM

Focal Length - Tele 100mm vs 85mm 15mm more Tele coverage
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Weight 730g vs 1195g 465g lighter
Diameter 82mm vs 103mm 21mm smaller in diameter
Filter Thread 67mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.26m vs 0.85m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 1.4x vs 0.12x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM over Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM

Focal Length - Wide 85mm vs 100mm 15mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.2 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.2 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Length 117mm vs 148mm 31mm shorter

Common Strengths of Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
Distance Scale No vs No No Distance Scale assist



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Macro Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon RF Canon RF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 100mm 85mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F1.2
Min Aperture F32
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 17 13
Optical Groups 13 9
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.26m 0.85m
Max Magnification 1.4X 0.12X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Nano ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No No
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No No
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 730g 1195g
Diameter 82mm 103mm
Length 148mm 117mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 67mm 82mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Unknown
Hood Code Unknown ET-89
Tripod Collar No Unknown
Optional Accessories - -
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