Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM
Both are Canon RF mount primes for low-light — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM | Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 85mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | full-frame |
| Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
Which should you buy?
- the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM opens wider (f/1.2) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM (50mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM (85mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
Where to buy
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STMSee price on Amazon
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USMSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM?
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is 50mm f/1.8 prime, full-frame; the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM is 85mm f/1.2 prime, full-frame. Both fit the Canon RF mount.
Which is better in low light, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM or the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM?
The Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM — its f/1.2 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/1.8 of the other.
Do the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Canon RF mount lenses, so they fit Canon EOS R series (full-frame R5/R6/R8) and APS-C (R7/R10/R50).
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