RF 85mm f/2 IS STMvs FE 85mm f/1.8
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
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 & Headshots — FE 85mm f/1.8: The best-value portrait prime in the Sony E-mount ecosystem. The 85mm f/1.8 produces images that are often indistinguishable from the much more expensive GM version. An essential lens for anyone who shoots portraits seriously on Sony.
Who should buy what
FE 85mm f/1.8
- Portrait photographers who want premium bokeh without the G Master premium
- Wedding and event photographers shooting on Sony E-mount
- Anyone using an APS-C Sony camera wanting a 127.5mm equivalent lens
- Video creators who shoot close-up talking-head content
Quick take: The fe 85mm f/1.8 is the most affordable; only the rf 85mm f/2 is stm is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | RF 85mm f/2 IS STM (2020) | FE 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £599 | £549 |
| Sensor | Canon RF mount (full-frame) | — |
| Video | N/A — lens | Compatible with all Sony E-mount cameras |
| Autofocus | STM (stepping motor) — smooth and quiet for video | Linear AF motor — fast and near-silent for stills and video |
| 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 | 371g |
| Dimensions | 78mm diameter × 90.5mm length | 78mm × 82mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | N/A | — |
| Screen | N/A | — |
| Mount | 67mm filter thread | Sony E-mount (full-frame compatible) |
| Memory Cards | N/A | — |
| Connectivity | N/A | — |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | RF 85mm f/2 IS STM | FE 85mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Macro | — | |
| Video | ||
| Street | — | |
| Wildlife | — |
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