RF85mm F1.4 L VCM
The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is the medium-telephoto lens in Canon’s ultra-fast F1.4 RF Prime Lens series. 85mm is a commonly used focal length for portrait photography. Combined with an ultra-wide aperture of f/1.4, it creates beautifully bokeh, making it especially suitable for capturing impressive portraits. The lens includes an iris ring1 to provide precise operation control as found in cinema lens during movie shooting. The lens incorporates 1 UD lens and 1 GMo aspherical lens to significantly correct aberrations at wide- open apertures. ASC are also added to effectively suppress flare and ghosting. The lens employs a high-thrust VCM motor for fast, quiet autofocus and suppresses focus breathing. It shares the same high mobility design as the F1.4 L VCM series, with a length of approx. 99.3mm and a weight of approx. 636g. The lens also features 1 customizable Lens Function button and is designed to be dust and water-resistant2, with fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning.
Compatible cameras: EOS R series mirrorless cameras
F1.4 RF Prime Lens Series Designed for Hybrid Shooting
With the growing popularity of social media, the boundaries between photo and movie shooting are becoming increasingly blurred, there is also an increasing demand from professionals and content creators for photo/movie hybrid shooting. In respond to the demands of creators who go back and forth between photos and video, Canon thus introduced the Ultra-fast F1.4 RF Prime Lens series for hybrid shooting.
With the classic 20mm/24mm/35mm/50mm/85mm focal length, ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture, high image quality and common exterior and operability, the Ultra-fast F1.4 Hybrid RF Prime Lens series would empower next generation hybrid content creators to explore different possibilities.
The Expressive Power of 85mm F1.4 Portrait Lens
The 85mm lens is widely regarded as a portrait lens because its focal length provides a natural perspective with minimal distortion, avoiding distortion of face and making the proportions of the person similar to what is seen with the naked eye. The 85mm medium-telephoto focal length also compresses the background, allows photographer to express the subject in three dimensions while keeping the background uncluttered, as well as to capture the natural expressions of people at an optimal distance when shooting portraits.
In the world of EOS image creation, 85mm lens is highly acclaimed for portrait photography, thanks to its natural and beautiful reproduction of skin tones, and its color balance design, which accentuates people’s beauty.
The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM combines the 85mm focal length with a fast f/1.4 aperture, allowing users to easily capture portraits with natural perspective and impressive bokeh effects, making it ideal for portraits and fashion photography.
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/250s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/320s • f/1.4
Ultra-Fast F1.4 Aperture
With a large aperture of f/1.4, the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM gives image a rich bokeh effect. When shooting in dark places, the images become clear, deep and impressive since there is no need to increase the ISO sensitivity. The ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture also allows for faster shutter speeds to help prevent subject motion blurs. The lens effectively suppresses chromatic aberration and provides both the smooth, rich bokeh expressions and high resolution of a f/1.4 maximum aperture.
Its 11-blade circular diaphragm also allows the photographer to enjoy a beautiful, almost circular bokeh effect when the aperture is stopped down slightly
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO400 • 1/3200s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO200 • 1/160s • f/1.4
High Mobility Design
The Ultra-fast F1.4 Hybrid RF Prime Lens series adopts the same high mobility design as RF35mm F1.4 L VCM with a length of 99.3mm and a diameter of 76.5mm. The front filter diameter of 67 mm is also the same across the whole series, so the same filters can be used. They are easy to use when shooting and also compact and easy to store when carrying several lenses. The same exterior design of the Ultra-fast F1.4 Hybrid RF Prime Lens series also enhance efficiency during shooting, for example by reducing the need for readjustments after changing lenses when shooting videos using a gimbal.
Even though it is a large-aperture medium telephoto lens, the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is designed to be compact enough to carry around every day and weighs 636g only.
Althought it does not feature any optical image stabilization, up to 8.0-stop shake compensation at center and 7.0-stop in peripheral3 can be achieved when paired with an EOS R series camera equipped with In-Body Image Stabilization.
Extraordinary Image Quality at F1.4
RF85mm F1.4 L VCM’s newly developed 14 elements in 10 groups optical design takes full advantage of the large diameter mount and short back focus of RF Mount. It incorporates 1 UD lens and 1 GMo aspherical lens to ensures high image quality across the entire image area, even at wide open f/1.4 aperture.
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO400 • 1/400s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/160s • f/1.4
Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) Lens
High image quality with suppressed color blurring from the center of the screen to the periphery is achieved by effectively positioning of 1 UD lens to correct chromatic aberration.
GMo Aspherical Lens
The use of 1 Glass-Molded (GMo) Aspherical lens suppresses spherical aberration and comatic aberration, achieving high image quality across the entire screen even at wide open.
Air Sphere Coating (ASC)
ASC (Air Sphere Coating) with excellent anti-reflection effect is incorporated to 2 lens surfaces, which suppress the occurrence of flaring and ghosting to a higher degree
Clear Images Even in Backlight
In dark places or when only light and shadow are captured, the lens' ASC (Air Sphere Coating) effectively reduces flare and ghosting even in backlit conditions to produce clear, high-contrast images.
When the aperture is stopped down, the 11 aperture blades create a gorgeous glow while maintaining the smooth circular shape of the bokeh.
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO200 • 1/320s • f/1.4
0.12x Maximum Magnification
The maximum magnification of the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is 0.12x at a minimum focusing distance of 0.75m. Even at the minimum focusing distance, the high resolution is maintained from the center to the edges of the image for stunning close-ups.
EOS R5 Mark II · ISO100 · 1/80s · f/1.4
High Speed and Quiet AF
Powerful VCM for actuation of Heavy Focus Lens Group
The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM uses a rear-focusing system, and the four-element focus lens group is actuated by a high-thrust VCM (Voice Coil Motor).
The use of a four-element focus lens group and an actuator that can drive the heavy lens unit at high speed and with high precision, enables both breathing suppression and speedy smooth AF.
Voice Coil Motor (VCM)
A Voice Coil Motor (VCM) is an actuator that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy using a magnetic field. The VCM used in the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM drives the focusing lens group fixed to the coil linearly by reciprocating the coil in the magnetic field created by the drive magnets.
- This product emits low level magnetic flux. If you use an implantable cardiac pacemaker or other medical device and feel abnormalities, please keep away from this product and consult your doctor.
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When the lens is not attached to the camera or the power switch of the camera is in the off status when the lens is attached, shaking the lens may cause the internal lens group to shift and noise may occur, but this is not a malfunction. Although the internal lens group shifts due to vibration such as when the lens is carried, this will not affect aspects such as performance.
AF control suitable for Servo AF and High-speed Continuous Shooting
The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM’s VCM-driven rear focus system, in combination with the Dual Pixel Intelligent AF system on EOS R1/R5 Mark II or the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system on other EOS R series, enables high speed and high precision AF during still photography.
The powerful VCM, which drives the large-aperutre lens group, is controlled by a high-performance microprocessor and matched with the AF algorithm of the camera body, allowing the camera to respond to changes in shooting style, such as high-speed continuous shooting with an electronic shutter, or regular use of Servo AF for subject detection. Combined with the outstanding AF speed, it is now even more convenient to “grab” a subject, keep hold of it, and follow it steadily.
EOS R5 Mark II · ISO400 · 1/1250s · f/1.4
Smooth and quiet Movie Servo AF
When shooting videos, the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM offers smooth and exceptionally quiet tracking of the subject’s movements as well as touch focus operations for high-quality video recording.
Optically Suppressed Focus Breathing
With the performance during video shooting in mind, the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM has a focus lens configuration that takes advantage of the high thrust and long stroke of the VCM to suppress breathing (fluctuations in the field of view) optically.
This means that the lens can be used for shooting videos with extremely stable composition, even together with a camera body that does not feature any Focus Breathing Correction function. When paired with EOS R-series cameras supporting Focus Breathing Correction, the changes in the angle of view caused by focus movement can be further suppressed.
Incorporates Iris Ring for Hybrid Shooting
RF85mm F1.4 L VCM features an iris ring1 as found in RF35mm F1.4 L VCM and RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z etc., for consistent operability during movie shooting. With an approx. 80o rotation angle between f/1.4 and f/16, the iris ring supports 1/32-stop aperture adjustment during movie shooting4, user can intuitively control exposure adjustment and degree of background blurs (bokeh) while enjoying light smooth torque feeling without clicking of the iris ring. Since its direction of rotation is the same as that of CINEMA EOS SYSTEM cinema lenses, operational similarity to that of cinema lens can be achieved.
Note for using the Iris Ring
1. Limitation of iris ring in photo / movie shooting mode:
| EOS R3/R5/R6 Mark II/R6/R8/R/RP/Ra EOS R7/R10/R50/R100 |
EOS C400/C80/C70 EOS R5C |
EOS R camera released in 2024 2H or later (EOS R1/R5 Mark II/ R50 V etc.) | EOS C50 | |
| Photo Shooting Mode |
The iris ring cannot be used to set the aperture value. |
The iris ring can be used to set the aperture value. | ||
| Video Shooting Mode |
Operating the iris ring may make it hard for the autofocus to focus on the subject. |
No limitations during movie shooting. |
||
2. When using the iris ring to set the aperture manually during movie shooting, the aperture changes in 1/32 stops, regardless of the setting on the camera. Consequently, the actual aperture value may differ from the value displayed on the camera during movie shooting.
Unparalleled Operability and Reliability
Control Ring
Incorporates control ring to adjust assigned settings such as ISO speed, shutter speed or aperture value directly from the lens.
The clicking sensation and sound of the control ring can be removed for silent control during photo shooting or video recording. This service is available at Canon Care Center (chargeable service).
Customizable Focus Ring
The focus ring can be used as control ring5 by changing the setting of “Focus/Control Ring” on the compatible camera6.
Lens Function(L-Fn) Button
Features 1 Lens Function (L-Fn) Button at the left of the lens. In addition to the default AF OFF function, various shooting functions can also be customized to personal preferences
Compatible with Electronic full-time MF
Lens is compatible with Electronic full-time MF7, focus can be adjusted manually with focus ring anytime during ONE SHOT AF or SERVO AF.
Fluorine coating
Fluorine coating on foremost lens surface helps prevent dust, oil, and water from sticking to the lens, making cleaning much easier.
Dust and water-resistance
Control ring, focus ring, iris ring, operation panel and lens mount are designed to be dust- and water-resistance2.
Environmental Protection
Canon is working to reduce the amount of plastic materials used in product packaging.
In RF85mm F1.4 L VCM, by using packaging materials made from plant-based nonwoven fabric and cardboard to replace plastic tray and plastic bubble wrap, Canon reduces plastic waste and contributes to a reduction in environmental impact.
As part of our environmental initiatives, the Lens Hood ET-73C bundled with the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is now made with recycled plastic materials8.
“Quietude” - A short by Canon Master Steven Chee
Canon Hybrid RF lenses with Canon Master Steven Chee
Photographic Works by Canon Master Steven Chee
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO500 • 1/250s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO400 • 1/200s • f/2.8
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO640 • 1/400s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO640 • 1/800s • f/2.8
About Steven Chee
Based in Sydney, Australia, Steven Chee is a leading fashion and beauty photographer, renowned for his timeless imagery across both photography and motion. With over 25 years' experience, he is celebrated for his collaborative approach and creative vision, delivering work that blends technical mastery with effortless elegance for leading publications and brands worldwide.
Image Samples
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO800 • 1/5000s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/1250s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO400 • 1/400s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO400 • 1/3200s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/1250s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/2500s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO200 • 1/250s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/80s • f/1.4
EOS R5 Mark II • ISO100 • 1/10s • f/5.6
1 The iris ring can be used to set the aperture value when shooting still images with EOS R5 Mark II or later EOS camera only. During movie shooting, when using the iris ring operation, focusing on a subject by autofocus may be difficult.
2 With Dust-and-water-resistant EOS R series camera; however, it is not recommended for use under rain.
3 CIPA 2024 Standard, Focal Length: 85mm, EOS R1 is used. In yaw/pitch/roll directions.
4 Depends on camera setting, aperture value is displayed in 1/2-stop or 1/3-stop. The aperture value displayed on the camera may differ from the actual aperture value.
5 When the focus ring is used as control ring, the original control ring is disabled.
6 Not available on EOS R5 / EOS R6 / EOS R / EOS Ra / EOS RP.
7 For EOS R camera supporting electronic full-time manual focus. Please refer to camera’s instruction manual for details.
8 Applicable to Lens Hood ET-73C bundled with the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM only.
Lens Diagram
MTF Graph
| Lens Mount Type | RF mount |
|---|---|
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 28°30' |
| Lens Construction | 14 Elements in 10 Groups |
| UD Lens (Piece) | 1 |
| Aspherical Lens (Piece) | 1 GMo |
| ASC (Air Sphere Coating) | Yes |
| Fluorine Coating | Yes (on foremost lens surface) |
| No. of Diaphragm Blades | 11 (Circular Blades) |
| Minimum Aperture | 16 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance (m) | 0.75m |
| Maximum Magnification (x) | 0.12x |
| Drive System | Voice Coil Motor (VCM) |
| Full Time Manual | Supported |
| Dust and Water Resistance | Supported |
| Filter Diameter | 67mm |
| Length x Max. Diameter (mm) | 99.3 x Ø76.5 |
| Weight (g) | 636 |
Box Content:
- RF85mm F1.4 L VCM
- Lens Hood ET-73C
- Lens Cap E-67 II
- Lens Dust Cap RF
- Lens Case LP1219
- Instruction Manual
- Purchase Record Card
