Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is 100-500mm, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 85mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-500mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.12x.
Choose the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 1195g (2.63 lb) it's lighter than the 1530g (3.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is 100-500mm, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM is $2,699, $200 under the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM reaches 0.33x magnification vs 0.12x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM or the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is 100-500mm, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 85mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-500mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.12x.
Who should choose the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM?
Choose the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 1195g (2.63 lb) it's lighter than the 1530g (3.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-500mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/51 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 5° | 28.5° – 28.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | Ring USM |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 90 cm | 85 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.33x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,899 | $2,699 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 93.8mm | 103.2mm |
| Length | 207.6mm | 117.3mm |
| Weight | 1530g (3.37 lb) | 1195g (2.63 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
