Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is 50mm, the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.18x magnification vs 0.12x.
Choose the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is 50mm, Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is $1,649, $150 under the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is 636g (1.40 lb) vs 770g (1.70 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM or the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is 50mm, the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM?
Choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.18x magnification vs 0.12x.
Who should choose the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM?
Choose the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM and the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM?
Focal range: Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is 50mm, Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is 85mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 10 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 47° | 28° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | VCM | VCM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 40 cm | 75 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.18x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,799 | $1,649 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 84.4mm | 76.5mm |
| Length | 107.9mm | 99.3mm |
| Weight | 770g (1.70 lb) | 636g (1.40 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
