Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
Announced July 9, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a versatile, compact telephoto lens that balances sharp portrait capabilities with 1:2 macro magnification. While it offers excellent optical performance and effective stabilization for the price, the autofocus system is frequently noisy and prone to hunting.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional image sharpness and optical quality
- Affordable and compact design
- Attractive bokeh and rendering
- Versatile 1:2 macro magnification capabilities
- Effective optical image stabilization
Cons
- Slow, noisy, and prone to hunting autofocus
- Lack of weather sealing
- Vignetting and chromatic aberrations at wide apertures
- Significant focus breathing and extending barrel
- Missing lens hood and basic accessories
- Launch price $599 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 85mm f/2
- Mount & coverage Canon RF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 35.1 cm (0.5x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Weight & size 500g (1 lb 1.6 oz) · 78 x 90.5 mm (3.07 x 3.56 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
The Canon RF 85mm f2 is a fairly affordable short telephoto lens for the EOS R mirrorless system that performs double-duty for portraits and close-ups.
- OpticalLimits 8.5/10
Regarding its max object magnification, it’s not a true macro lens but this middle ground between a traditional 85mm f/1.8 and 100mm f/2.8 (1:1) macro lenses is surely an attractive value proposition for many buyers in this price segment.
-
The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is a great all-around value lens choice. The focal length is useful, especially for portraits, and the macro focusing capabilities add greatly to this lens's versatility, making it a great choice for products.
-
The great optical performance is unfortunately let down by a disappointing autofocus system.
-
Those who go for this Canon lens will be delighted really, and so it has to come highly recommended.
-
With a full retail price of $599.99, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is something of a no-brainer in the value for money department.
-
The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a stunning bang-for-buck lens, and stands next to the RF 35mm f/1.8 as one that every EOS R camera owner should have in their camera bag.
-
There’s a lot to like about the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens, including its top-notch image quality, making it a must-have for any Canon R-series camera user looking for a prime lens.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Superior optical performance, compact size and affordable price tag are the stand-out features of this lens, which makes it an appealing alternative to the larger, heavier and far more pricey L-series alternatives.
-
At $599, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is reasonably priced for a lens with this level of optical prowess and versatility, and I think it’s going to be a very popular lens for the Canon RF system.
-
Macro photography is going to be one of the main reasons why you'd want to get this Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lens.
-
This RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM stands out because it's an optically superb short, fast tele and portrait lens, as well as a great macro lens. It's like three in one, and priced super low for all it does. Like all macro lenses, its optical performance is flawless.
- Photo Feaver 39/50
[O]verall, I really think it's a great lens, especially if you're starting out and you don't want to spend £3,000 on a ridiculously expensive f/1.2 lens, you also don't want to use older EF lenses.
-
For photos, this lens I can recommend it definitely, but for video I just can't recommend it.
-
It's a really really nice lens.
