RF 85mm f/2 IS STMvs Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Canon
RF 85mm f/2 IS STM (2020)
From £599
Best for Portraits, macro & video on Canon RF
View RF 85mm f/2 IS STM
VS
Nikon
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (2018)
From £549
Best for Portraits & studio work
View Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Which should you buy?
Portraits, Macro & Video On Canon Rf — RF 85mm f/2 IS STM (2020): Outstanding value in the RF lineup — sharp, stabilised, macro-capable, and affordable for a portrait prime.
Portraits & Studio Work — Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (2018): One of the finest 50mm lenses ever made — the wide Z-mount throat enables edge-to-edge sharpness and stunning bokeh that rivals lenses twice the price.
Who should buy what
Quick take: The nikon z 50mm f/1.8 s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | RF 85mm f/2 IS STM (2020) | Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £599 | £549 |
| Sensor | Canon RF mount (full-frame) | f/1.8 (max aperture) |
| Video | N/A — lens | 40cm minimum focus distance |
| Autofocus | STM (stepping motor) — smooth and quiet for video | STM (Stepping Motor Actuator) — fast and near-silent |
| Stabilisation | Optical IS — 5 stops standalone, up to 8 stops with in-body IS | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | — |
| Battery Life | N/A | — |
| Weight | 500g | 415g |
| Dimensions | 78mm diameter × 90.5mm length | 76.0 × 86.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | N/A | — |
| Screen | N/A | — |
| Mount | 67mm filter thread | Nikon Z |
| Memory Cards | N/A | — |
| Connectivity | N/A | — |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | RF 85mm f/2 IS STM | Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Macro | — | |
| Video | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Landscape | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with RF 85mm f/2 IS STM