The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM and the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 135mm f2.0L USM is the longer of the two lenses at 112mm. The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM with a length of 91mm, is 21mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM also has a larger diameter of 83mm compared to the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM's 78mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM weighs 500g, which means it is 250g (33%) lighter than the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM which has a weight of 750g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R100, Canon R8 and Canon R50 for the Canon RF Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM 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 a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
136mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 135mm f2.0L USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 135mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 216mm.