Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM vs Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

Both are Canon RF mount primes for portrait and macro — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-09-01 · Canon RF mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM	Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
Focal length	85mm	100mm
Max aperture	f/2	f/2.8
Type	prime	prime
Coverage	full-frame	full-frame
Mount	Canon RF	Canon RF

Which should you buy?

the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM opens wider (f/2) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM (85mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (100mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is first-party (Canon) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is third-party — usually the value pick

Where to buy

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM, Compact Medium-Telephoto Lens, Black, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STMSee price on Amazon

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Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Canon RF

Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APOSee price on Amazon

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM and the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO?
The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is 85mm f/2 prime, full-frame; the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 100mm f/2.8 prime, full-frame. Both fit the Canon RF mount.

Which is better in low light, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM or the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO?
The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM — its f/2 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/2.8 of the other.

Do the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM and Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO 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).

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-09-01. Copy a ready-made reference:

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Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STMAffiliate linkSee price on Amazon