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 85mm f1.8 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 RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is the longer of the two lenses at 91mm. The Canon 85mm f1.8 USM with a length of 72mm, is 19mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM also has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM's 75mm 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 85mm f1.8 USM weighs 425g, 15% (75g) lighter than the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM's weight of 500g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM has a 58mm 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 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 85mm f1.8 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
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM has the fastest aperture of
F2, the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM's widest aperture value is
F1.8.