Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM vs Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
Both are Canon RF mount primes for macro — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Specs are the makers' published figures; some weights and filter sizes come from a lens database quoting them.
| Spec | Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM | Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm | 85mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.8 | f/2 |
| Weight | 305 g | 500 g |
| Filter thread | 52mm | 67mm |
| Weather sealing | No | No |
| Stabilisation | Named in the model | Named in the model |
| Focus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | full-frame |
| Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
Which should you buy?
- The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens wider (f/1.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM (35mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM (85mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
- The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 195 g lighter (305 g vs 500 g)
- Filters are not shared: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM takes 52mm and the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM takes 67mm
Where to buy
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STMSee price on Amazon
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STMSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM?
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a 35mm f/1.8 prime, full-frame; the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a 85mm f/2 prime, full-frame. Both fit the Canon RF mount.
Which is better in low light, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM?
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM — its f/1.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/2 of the other.
Do the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM 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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