Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is 135mm, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM for zoom, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 135mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 135mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is 135mm, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is $2,199, $100 under the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM or the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is 135mm, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM for zoom, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 135mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM?
Choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 135mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 135mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 18° – 18° | 46° – 46° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | Ring USM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 70 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,199 | $2,299 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 89.2mm | 89.8mm |
| Length | 130.3mm | 108mm |
| Weight | 935g (2.06 lb) | 950g (2.09 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
