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Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS

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Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon RF

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM
CHECK PRICE

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Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS

Telephoto Prime | Canon RF

Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS
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Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Canon.

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 1200mm F8L IS USM Key Specs

  • 1200mm Focal Range
  • F8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon RF Mount
  • Weight: 3340g.
  • Diameter: 168mm
  • Length: 537mm
  • Min Focus Distance:4.3m
  • Max Magnification:0.29x

Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS 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 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS 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 1200mm F8L IS USM and the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS
Bird/WildlifeExcellentAverage
SportsExcellentGood
PortraitPoorExcellent
TravelPoorFair
StreetPoorAverage
WeddingPoorVery Good
Walk AroundPoorFair
VloggingPoorAverage
LandscapePoorFair
MacroAveragePoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 537mm. The Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS with a length of 117mm is 420mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 168mm compared to Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS's 103mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS 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 85mm F1.2L USM DS weighs 1195g, 64% (2145g) lighter than the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM's weight of 3340g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon RF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon RF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM Lens Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM
432mm
163mm 3140g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM
352mm
102mm 1260g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM Lens Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM
367mm
168mm 2890g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM
270mm
93mm 930g Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF Lens Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF
98mm
88mm 584g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM
472mm
168mm 3090g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Lens Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM
117mm
103mm 1195g Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 RF Lens Samyang MF 85mm F1.4 RF
99mm
78mm 730g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS 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 1200mm F8L IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 1200mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 1920mm.
Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS 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 1200mm F8L IS USM over Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS

Focal Length - Tele 1200mm vs 85mm 1115mm more Tele coverage
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Filter Thread 52mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Max Magnification 0.29x vs 0.12x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS over Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

Focal Length - Wide 85mm vs 1200mm 1115mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.2 vs 8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.2 vs 8 Wider aperture at tele end
Weight 1195g vs 3340g 2145g lighter
Diameter 103mm vs 168mm 65mm smaller in diameter
Length 117mm vs 537mm 420mm shorter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.85m vs 4.3m can focus closer to the subject

Common Strengths of Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS
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 1200mm F8L IS USM and Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS
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 1200mm F8L IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon RF Canon RF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 1200mm 85mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour White Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F8 F1.2
Min Aperture F64
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 26 13
Optical Groups 18 9
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 4.3m 0.85m
Max Magnification 0.29X 0.12X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type 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 4.3m – infinity|4.3m – 30m|30m – infinity Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 3340g 1195g
Diameter 168mm 103mm
Length 537mm 117mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 52mm 82mm
Filter Notes Filter screws into drop-in holder -
Hood Supplied Yes Unknown
Hood Code ET-160 Unknown
Tripod Collar Yes Unknown
Optional Accessories ET-160B Short hood -
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