Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens

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89%
94%
Image Quality
88%
Autofocus Performance
91%
Optical Image Stabilization
92%
Low-Light Performance
85%
Build Quality
87%
Ease of Use
90%
Macro Performance
89%
Portability
83%
Price to Value Ratio
93%
Bokeh Quality
95%
Compatibility with Canon RF Mount
80%
Focusing Speed
More

Overview

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is a compact, versatile medium-telephoto lens designed specifically for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras. This lens excels in both portrait and macro photography, offering a maximum magnification of 0.5x, making it ideal for capturing intricate details. With its bright f/2 aperture, the RF 85mm F2 macro lens produces sharp images and stunning bokeh, enhancing its performance in low-light conditions. Weighing just 1.1 lbs and measuring 6 inches in length, this lens strikes a balance between portability and professional-grade quality for photographers on the go.

Features & Benefits

One of the standout features of this lens is its Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which provides up to 5 stops of correction, significantly reducing the effects of camera shake. This makes handheld shooting more practical, especially in low-light conditions. The Hybrid IS system compensates for both angular and shift camera shake, which is particularly beneficial during macro shots. Another key advantage is the lens’s control ring, which allows for quick and easy adjustments to settings such as aperture or shutter speed, providing a more customizable shooting experience.

Best For

This Canon lens is best suited for photographers who want a versatile tool for both portrait and macro photography. Its lightweight and compact design make it an excellent choice for those who travel often or need a portable solution without sacrificing quality. Compatible with Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras like the EOS R and EOS R5, it is ideal for users who already own these models or other Canon mirrorless cameras. Whether you're capturing detailed close-ups or stunning portraits, this lens offers the flexibility and performance to excel in both scenarios.

User Feedback

Users have been highly impressed by the sharpness and overall performance of this lens, especially in low-light environments. The autofocus is often praised for being smooth and quiet, making it a great choice for both stills and video. However, some users note that the focusing speed can be slower in low-contrast situations, which could be a drawback for fast-paced action shots. Despite this, the lens is generally regarded as a reliable and well-rounded option for both hobbyists and professionals, particularly when paired with Canon’s mirrorless camera systems.

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Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design makes this lens easy to carry during travel or daily shoots.
  • Bright f/2 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh.
  • Sharp image quality across most shooting conditions, especially in portrait and macro photography.
  • Optical Image Stabilization effectively reduces camera shake, offering smoother handheld shots.
  • Hybrid IS system helps maintain stability, especially during macro shots with fine detail.
  • Smooth and quiet autofocus ensures seamless video and still photography without distractions.

Cons

  • Autofocus can be slower in low-contrast environments, making it less ideal for fast-moving subjects.
  • Some users find the lens slightly lacking in extreme close-up magnification for detailed macro work.
  • May not be as durable as higher-end lenses, especially for heavy-duty outdoor use.
  • Lack of weather sealing makes it unsuitable for challenging outdoor conditions in the rain or dust.
  • Users report some slight focus hunting in challenging lighting or complex scenes.
  • The lens may feel a bit too large for users seeking an ultra-compact portrait lens.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, we have assessed the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens based on authentic feedback. The scores reflect both its impressive strengths and minor pain points, providing an honest overview of what buyers have experienced. All spam, bot-generated, or exaggerated reviews have been filtered out to ensure accurate and high-quality insights.

Image Quality
94%
Users rave about the lens’s sharpness, with many praising its ability to produce crisp, clear images even in low-light conditions. The f/2 aperture delivers exceptional clarity and beautiful bokeh, making it a great choice for portraiture and macro shots alike. This lens consistently captures fine detail and vibrant colors.
Some users note that the lens is prone to occasional chromatic aberration when shooting high-contrast subjects. Additionally, a few reviewers mention that the sharpness can drop off at the very edges of the frame, especially when shooting wide open at f/2.
Autofocus Performance
88%
The autofocus on this lens is generally smooth and quick, with many users appreciating its near-silent operation. It’s particularly beneficial for video work, where noise can be distracting. The system is fast enough for most photography situations, including portraits and macro shots.
A few users have pointed out that the autofocus can struggle in low-contrast or challenging lighting conditions, resulting in slower focus acquisition. Some photographers have noted that it can be a bit sluggish when tracking moving subjects, which may be a drawback for fast-paced shooting.
Optical Image Stabilization
91%
Many buyers appreciate the effectiveness of the Optical Image Stabilization, which compensates for camera shake and helps to capture sharp images even in lower light. The 5 stops of correction make it ideal for handheld shooting in various environments, reducing the need for a tripod and allowing for greater flexibility in capturing high-quality shots.
While the stabilization works well in most scenarios, some users have reported a slight decrease in its effectiveness when shooting at slower shutter speeds or in extremely shaky conditions. It's not as powerful as the stabilization found in some other lenses, which may be an issue for those requiring absolute steadiness.
Low-Light Performance
92%
The lens performs admirably in low-light environments, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to deliver sharp and vibrant images without introducing too much noise. The wide f/2 aperture helps gather light effectively, ensuring that users can capture clear shots even when lighting is not ideal.
A small percentage of users mention that while the lens performs well in most low-light situations, there is some noticeable vignetting in the corners, particularly when shooting wide open at f/2. Additionally, a few photographers feel that the lens could benefit from even better low-light performance at higher ISOs.
Build Quality
85%
The construction of the lens feels sturdy, and the materials used are solid, providing a reassuring quality. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, perfect for daily use or travel. It feels well-built for its price range and is relatively robust compared to other lenses in the same category.
While the lens is durable for the most part, some users feel that the build could be more rugged, especially considering its price point. A few reviewers mention that the lens feels somewhat plasticky and express concerns about its long-term durability, particularly in harsher environments or frequent travel.
Ease of Use
87%
Users generally find this lens easy to use, especially with its well-designed control ring that allows for quick adjustments of aperture, shutter speed, or other settings. The compact size and light weight make it perfect for handheld use and allow for longer shooting sessions without causing discomfort or fatigue.
A few users mention that the control ring, while useful, can feel slightly stiff or not as responsive as they’d like, especially when adjusting settings quickly. Additionally, some feel that the lack of an additional focus ring for manual focus adjustments makes it less versatile for specific types of photography.
Macro Performance
90%
This lens excels in macro photography, providing a maximum magnification of 0.5x that allows for capturing intricate details in close-up shots. The Hybrid IS system ensures steady images even in challenging macro conditions, making it a favorite for users who enjoy photographing small objects or nature.
Despite its impressive macro capabilities, some users have noted that the lens doesn’t quite match the magnification of other dedicated macro lenses. In some cases, it may not achieve the same level of detail or close-up performance as higher-end macro lenses, though it remains a solid option for casual macro photographers.
Portability
89%
The Canon RF 85mm F2 is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for photographers who need a lens that’s easy to carry on trips or daily outings. Its portability doesn’t sacrifice performance, allowing users to get the most out of a small and efficient design that fits comfortably in most camera bags.
While lightweight, some users feel that the size might still be too bulky for those looking for the smallest possible lens for their mirrorless cameras. Its size and weight may not be ideal for those trying to minimize their gear for ultra-portable setups, especially for travel photographers with limited space.
Price to Value Ratio
83%
Many users feel that the lens offers excellent value for its price, providing high-quality performance in both portrait and macro photography. The combination of sharpness, stabilization, and versatility makes it a strong contender for photographers looking to maximize their budget without compromising on quality.
A few buyers have expressed that the lens feels somewhat overpriced, especially when compared to other lenses in the same focal length range. While it delivers solid performance, some users expect more features and build quality for the price, particularly when compared to other lenses from Canon or third-party manufacturers.
Bokeh Quality
93%
The bokeh produced by this lens is smooth and aesthetically pleasing, with many users praising its ability to create beautiful, out-of-focus backgrounds. This makes it particularly well-suited for portrait photography, where bokeh can be a key element in achieving professional-looking results.
While most users are impressed with the bokeh quality, a small number mention that the lens can sometimes produce distracting or slightly harsh bokeh in certain situations. Some feel that the bokeh is not as creamy or smooth as that of other lenses in its class, especially when shot wide open.
Compatibility with Canon RF Mount
95%
This lens is fully compatible with Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, ensuring seamless integration and performance. Users with Canon mirrorless systems like the EOS R and EOS R5 report excellent results, with no issues related to connectivity or functionality. It’s a reliable option for users invested in the Canon RF system.
A few users with older Canon models or non-RF-mount cameras may find themselves unable to use the lens without an adapter. Some users feel that Canon could have expanded compatibility to other camera systems to increase the lens's versatility, although this is a minor concern for most.
Focusing Speed
80%
20%
The lens has generally good focusing speed, making it suitable for most still-life and portrait work. Its focusing system is smooth and consistent in typical conditions, which helps produce high-quality results with minimal adjustments during the shoot.
However, the focusing speed isn’t as fast as some would prefer, particularly for fast-moving subjects. Some users mention that it can lag behind in more dynamic shooting scenarios, especially when compared to other lenses designed with quicker focusing systems in mind.

Suitable for:

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who need a versatile lens for both portrait and macro photography. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel photographers or those who frequently shoot on the go. With a 0.5x maximum magnification and a bright f/2 aperture, it excels in delivering sharp images with beautiful bokeh, making it perfect for portraiture or capturing fine details in close-up shots. This lens is also particularly well-suited for users with Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, such as the EOS R and EOS R5, looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use lens that provides solid performance in various shooting conditions, including low-light environments.

Not suitable for:

While the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is great for many types of photography, it may not be the best option for users needing extremely fast autofocus or those who primarily shoot fast-moving subjects. Some reviewers have noted that the autofocus can struggle in low-contrast situations, resulting in slower focusing speeds, which could be a drawback for action or sports photographers. Additionally, while the lens is compact, it may not offer the same level of magnification or detail as more specialized macro lenses, making it less ideal for professional macro photographers who require higher levels of close-up performance. If durability in extreme conditions is a concern, the lens may also feel somewhat less rugged compared to higher-end options.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: 85mm focal length for medium-telephoto photography, ideal for portraits and macro shots.
  • Maximum Aperture: Bright f/2 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meters), suitable for close-up photography.
  • Maximum Magnification: Supports a maximum magnification of 0.5x, enabling moderate macro photography.
  • Optical Image Stabilization: Provides up to 5 stops of compensation for reduced camera shake in handheld shooting.
  • Hybrid IS: Hybrid IS system compensates for both angular and shift shake during macro photography.
  • Aperture Blades: 9 rounded aperture blades contribute to smooth, attractive bokeh in images.
  • Lens Construction: The lens is constructed with 12 elements in 11 groups for optimal image quality.
  • Motor Type: Uses a stepper motor (STM) for smooth, quiet autofocus operation.
  • Mount Type: Compatible with Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras.
  • Weight: The lens weighs 1.1 lbs (500 grams), making it lightweight and portable.
  • Dimensions: The lens has compact dimensions of approximately 6 x 6 x 6 inches.
  • Compatibility: Designed specifically for Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras like the EOS R and EOS R5.
  • Autofocus Performance: The autofocus is praised for being smooth and silent, but may be slower in low-contrast environments.
  • Build Quality: The lens is solidly built with high-quality materials, though not weather-sealed.
  • Image Quality: Known for its sharpness, especially in the center, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
  • Bokeh: Produces beautiful, creamy bokeh thanks to the wide f/2 aperture and rounded aperture blades.

FAQ

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is a versatile medium-telephoto lens designed for Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. It features a bright f/2 aperture for excellent low-light performance and bokeh, a 0.5x maximum magnification for macro photography, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for up to 5 stops of correction.

This lens is specifically designed for Canon RF-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, such as the EOS R, EOS R5, and EOS R6. It is not compatible with older Canon EF or EF-S mount cameras unless used with an appropriate lens adapter.

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to reduce camera shake, providing up to 5 stops of compensation. This is particularly useful when shooting handheld in low light or at slower shutter speeds, ensuring sharper images without a tripod.

The lens uses a stepper motor (STM) for autofocus, which ensures smooth and quiet operation. This makes it particularly well-suited for both video recording and still photography, where noisy autofocus would be disruptive.

Yes, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is designed to be versatile. It offers great performance for both portrait and macro photography with a 0.5x maximum magnification. Its bright f/2 aperture also helps create beautiful, soft background blur, ideal for portraits.

While this lens excels in both portrait and macro photography, some users report slower autofocus in low-contrast situations, which may be a limitation for fast-moving subjects. Additionally, its 0.5x magnification might not satisfy those looking for extreme macro detail.

Weighing just 1.1 lbs and having a compact design, this lens is highly portable and suitable for travel photography. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry around without adding significant weight to your camera gear.

No, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens does not come with weather sealing. While it is a robust lens for everyday use, it is not designed for extreme outdoor conditions such as heavy rain or dusty environments.

The minimum focusing distance of the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is 1.15 feet (0.35 meters), which allows you to capture sharp, detailed images at relatively close range, making it ideal for both portrait and macro photography.

Yes, this lens is well-suited for video shooting. Its quiet autofocus, smooth image stabilization, and excellent optical performance make it a great choice for videographers looking to capture sharp footage with minimal distractions from autofocus noise.