Super Sharp and Good Value? A Review of the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Lenses

Canon has three 85mm prime lenses available for its mirrorless full frame cameras, and the f/2 Macro IS STM is by far the cheapest. How well does it perform and how much value does it offer given its price of $599?

In this short video, Christopher Frost puts the Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS STM through its paces. The lens was announced back in July 2020 but didn’t hit the shelves until October and has been a welcome addition to the RF lineup given that the two other 85mm RF lenses are more than three times the price. The global pandemic is almost certainly a contributing factor, but I’d be keen to bet that intense demand for the lens is the reason that it’s currently unavailable. 85mm is an incredibly popular focal length, and with this model, Canon has opted to include macro and stabilization properties — this might be why it’s f/2 rather than the slightly more classic f/1.8 that’s seen in most affordable 85mm lenses, such as its DSLR predecessor, the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM.

Will you be placing an order? Or perhaps you’re waiting for yours to arrive? Let us know in the comments below.