Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM vs Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm, 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 RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 45mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $469 vs $1,649 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 346g (12.2 oz) it's lighter than the 636g (1.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm, Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is $469, $1,180 under the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 346g (12.2 oz) vs 636g (1.40 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM or the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm, 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 RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if you shoot wide — it starts at 45mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $469 vs $1,649 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 346g (12.2 oz) it's lighter than the 636g (1.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM and the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM?
Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF85mm F1.4 L VCM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 45mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 51° | 28° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | VCM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 45 cm | 75 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 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) | $469 | $1,649 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 78mm | 76.5mm |
| Length | 75mm | 99.3mm |
| Weight | 346g (12.2 oz) | 636g (1.40 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
