Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM First Impressions

July 9, 2020 | Mark Goldstein | Lenses | Comment |

We've spent a little time with the brand new RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM prime lens for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras, so ahead of our full review, check out our first impressions now...

Key Specifications

85mm focal length
f/2 maximum aperture
Lightweight at 500g
STM Autofocus technology
Up to 5-stops IS (CIPA standard)
1:2 macro capabilities

Key Details

This compact and lightweight lens features a bright f/2 aperture to help capture images with exceptional bokeh.
Features a maximum magnification of 0.5x and a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet, providing users with more macro-photography capability
Includes control ring for direct setting changes

Canon have already released two 85mm lenses for the RF mount, but that hasn't stopped them announcing a lighter, much more affordable alternative to the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM and RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS lenses.

The Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is a lightweight 85mm prime lens that's still capable of capturing a shallow depth of field and soft background thanks to its fast F2 maximum aperture.

The RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM offers 5-stops of built-in image stabilisation, which increases to an incredible 8-stops when used with the EOS R5/EOS R6 and their in-body stabilisation systems.

The RF 85mm F2 also doubles up as a useful macro lens, capturing subjects at an impressive 50% life-size thanks to its 1:2 macro shooting capability.

Thanks to Canon's proven STM autofocus system, the RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM also achieves quick and smooth focus in both stills and video.

The combination of the RF 85mm F2's size and weight, fast F2 aperture, macro capabilities and affordability should help make it a popular choice for enthusiasts who can't stretch to the much bigger and much more expensive F1.2 versions.

The new RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is priced at £649.99 / €769.99 / $599.99, launch date TBC.