Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM vs Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM vs Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
When comparing Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II and Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM features a Canon RF while the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II features a Canon EF — 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
The Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 2 compared to the 3.5 - 5.6 aperture of Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM
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 EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II or Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM 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
The Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is a Prime lens while the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is a Zoom lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
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. Full Frame Comparison
Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM covers a full frame sensor while Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II does not. If you have a full frame camera then Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is the only choice for you in this comparison.
Winner: Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM
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 RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM and Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II:
| Canon RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM | Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Weight | Missing | 200 g |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | 85 mm | 18 - 55 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2 | 3.5 - 5.6 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | Missing | 25 cm |
| Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Filter Thread Diameter | Missing | 58 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 9 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 11 |
| Image Stabilization | Missing | Yes |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | Yes | Missing |
| Weather Seal | Missing | No |
| Full Frame Coverage | Yes | No |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | No |
| Stabilization Type | Missing | Canon Image Stabilizer (IS) |