Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM vs Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

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Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM

Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM

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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM vs Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM

When comparing Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM and Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM, which one is better?

1. Lens Mount Comparison

The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM features a Canon EF while the Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM features a Canon RF — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.

Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear

Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.

2. Largest Aperture Comparison

Both lenses share the same aperture of 2 — this means that you may buy both Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM and Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM in this regard; they''re the same.

Winner: Tied

Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.

3. Anamorphic Comparison

Neither Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM or Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM are anamorphic lenses.

Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature

Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.

4. Lens Type Comparison

Both lenses are Prime lenses, which means that you can choose both Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM or Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM if you're looking for that type of lens.

Winner: Tied

Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.

5. Autofocus Comparison

Both lenses have autofocus, which means that they're both great at focusing targets while taking photographs or filming video. Just remember, most cameras do not offer good autofocus while filming video.

Winner: Tied — both have this feature

Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.

6. Macro Comparison

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Winner: Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM

Regarding macro: Macro lenses can focus much closer to your subjects and might be suitable when photographing flowers, insects, wildlife and nature.

7. Full Frame Comparison

Both Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM and Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM cover a full frame sensor and can be used on full frame cameras as well as cameras with smaller sensors.

Winner: Tied — both have this feature

Regarding full frame coverage: All lenses do not cover full frame sensors, but not all cameras are full frame cameras either. If a lens covers a full frame sensor it can be used on all cameras with a matching lens mount, both full frame and crop sensors, except for medium format cameras.


Specifications

Full specifications table of Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM and Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM:

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM
Canon EF 135mm f/2L USMCanon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM

Price ➔

Price ➔

BrandCanonCanon
Lens MountCanon EFCanon RF
Focal Length135 mm85 mm
Largest Aperture22
AnamorphicNoNo
TypePrimePrime
Image StabilizationNoMissing
AutofocusEvetEvet
MacroNoYes
Weather SealYesMissing
Full Frame CoverageYesYes
Lens Hood IncludedYesMissing


Camera Verdict

This comparison of Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM and Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM was last updated on December 19, 2024.