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Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

A highly versatile mid-range prime for Canon RF — the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM combines a classic portrait focal length with genuine 0.5x macro capability, five stops of image stabilisation, and excellent optical quality. At 500g and under £600 it sits between the affordable RF 50mm f/1.8 and the pro-grade RF 85mm f/1.2L, making it the smart choice for photographers who want quality without the bulk or the price tag. The IS system means sharp handheld shots are achievable at slower shutter speeds, and the 0.5x macro capability opens up close-up work that a standard portrait prime cannot touch.

GearFrame's Take

Portrait prime, close-up lens, and IS-equipped workhorse in one body — the RF 85mm f/2 punches well above its price for Canon RF shooters.

Starting from
£599 new
Average price across retailers: ~£624
Available at 4 retailers
✓ Available at 4 retailers 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only
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Core
Released
2020
Aperture
f/2 (max aperture)
Compatible Mount
Canon RF
Dimensions
78mm diameter × 90.5mm length
Weight
500g
Weather Sealed
No
Performance
AF Motor
STM (Stepping Motor) — smooth and quiet; reliable for portraits and close-up work
Optical IS
5-stop IS (up to 8 stops combined with IBIS on compatible bodies)
Burst Rate
N/A
Battery Life
N/A
Optics
Min. Focus Distance
35cm minimum focus distance (0.5x macro)
Viewfinder
N/A
Screen
N/A
Memory Cards
N/A
Connectivity
N/A

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3 cameras compatible with the Canon RF mount.

GearScore™ — Suitability by Genre
Portrait
9.0
Macro
7.0
Wedding & Events
7.0
Sports & Action
4.0
Great For
👤
Portrait 85mm and f/2 produce classic portrait compression and pleasing background separation — excellent sharpness from wide open.
🔬
Macro 0.5x magnification and IS enable close-up work handheld — not a dedicated macro lens but surprisingly capable.
💍
Wedding & Events IS and a flattering focal length make it a solid choice for ceremony and reception coverage.
⚠️ Not Ideal For
🏅
Sports & Action STM autofocus is not suited to fast tracking — an RF 70-200mm is a better choice for action work.
📝 How suitability scores are calculated Scores reflect the aggregated consensus from verified purchaser reviews across tracked UK retailers, weighted by photography genre tags applied by reviewers. This is community opinion — not GearFrame editorial assessment. See our full methodology →
Price History — RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM

Video reviews and hands-on coverage for the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM from across YouTube.

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