Canon

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
£619 new
Used from £372 (eBay)
Average price across retailers: ~£624
Available at 6 retailers
✓ Available at 6 retailers 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only
RetailerPrice
Clifton Cameras
Clifton Cameras
£619
Check on Clifton Cameras →
Wex Photo Video
Wex Photo Video
£619
was £670
On Sale
Check on Wex Photo Video →
eBay
eBay used
Lowest Buy It Now · marketplace
£372
Search eBay →
Wex Photo Video
Wex Photo Video used
£456
Check on Wex Photo Video →
eBay
eBay
Lowest Buy It Now · marketplace
£486
Search eBay →
Prices are synced live from UK retailers. Not every product will be stocked by every retailer; older models may only be available second hand.
Value & Depreciation
£650
Launch price
→
£599
Today
=
8%
Value drop
Over ~6 years, this camera has cost roughly £8/year to own (buy at launch price, sell today). That's one of the lower cost-per-year cameras in its class.
Core
Released
2020
Focal Length
85mm
Aperture
f/2
Compatible Mount
Canon RF
Dimensions
78mm diameter × 90.5mm length
Weight
500g
Weather Sealed
No
Optics & Focus
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)
Min. Focus Distance
35cm minimum focus distance (0.5x macro)

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4 cameras compatible with the Canon RF mount.

GearScore™ — Suitability by Genre

Base score — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. Camera Match adjusts it for your skill level and priorities.

Portrait
7.4
Street
4.9
Travel
5.2
Wedding & Events
5.8
Filmmaking
5.4
Documentary
4.9
Landscape
4.8
Casual
5.7
Food
7.4
Macro
6.4
Architecture
4.9
Underwater
6.4
✅ Great For
🍽️
Food 7.4 Strong on focal length, close focusing and maximum aperture.
🧑
Portrait 7.4 Strong on focal length, maximum aperture and bokeh. 85mm and f/2 produce classic portrait compression and pleasing background separation — excellent sharpness from wide open.
⚠️ Not Ideal For
🌄
Landscape 4.8 Held back by focal length and weather sealing.
🏛️
Architecture 4.9 Held back by focal length and weather sealing.
🎥
Documentary 4.9 Held back by video handling and focal length.
📝 How suitability scores are calculated GearScore™ genre scores are calculated from this camera's verified specifications — autofocus, sensor, weight, weather sealing and more — weighted by what matters for each type of photography. Where a spec sheet misses something (e.g. a manual-focus rangefinder for street), we apply a documented editorial adjustment. Scores are not based on customer reviews. 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.

Video results sourced from YouTube. GearFrame is not affiliated with these channels.

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