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Today, Canon has announced the RF 85mm F1.4 VCM, the latest addition to its line of VCM (voice coil motor) autofocus lenses.
Canon explained their VCM motors as a simple type of electric motor that utilises magnets surrounding a coil of wire. These types of motors are more efficient at moving heavier objects, and the motors are highly responsive, offering virtually silent autofocus. That makes these motors uniquely suitable for both video and stills photography.
PREORDER RF 85mm F/1.4L VCM
Canon RF 85mm f/1.4 VCM
MSRP: $1649 • €1749 • £1679
Canon states that the new RF 85mm F1.4 VCM lens is suitable for both still photography and video, and features excellent optical performance with minimal focus breathing. As a benefit for video shooters, the lens also supports a dedicated aperture ring.
Canon has now completed the standard series of primes in VCM-based f/1.4 with the 20, 24, 35, 50, and now the 85mm. Of course, given the fact that Canon seems to love this lineup of primes, I wouldn’t be surprised if they added a few more in the future. A 135mm f/1.4, like that Sigma 135mm f/1.4 that just came out, would be swell.
Please note we will be updating this article as we receive more information.
Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Features
- Full-Frame | f/1.4 to f/16
- Fast Portrait-Length Hybrid Lens
- Voice Coil Motor AF System
- De-Clickable, Manual Aperture Ring
- Custom Control Ring and Function Button
- UD and Aspherical Elements
- Super Spectra, SWC and ASC Coatings
- Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm
- Weather-Sealed Design & Fluorine Coating
Lens Construction and MTF
As with all of Canon’s RF L lenses, the lens features complete weather sealing. Canon states that his lens features the same dust- and water-resistance found on L-series lenses with seals around the Control ring, focus ring, zoom ring, operation panel, and lens mount.
The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM lens’s optical design includes one UD lens and one aspheric lens, as well as Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to reduce ghosting, and Fluorine coating on the front and rear lens surfaces to help mitigate smudges.
Press Release
MELVILLE, NY, September 9, 2025 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to introduce the new EOS C50 cinema camera, the newest addition to Canon’s cinema EOS system. The EOS C50 is a compact, full-frame cinema camera featuring a brand new 7K full-frame CMOS sensor, 7K 60P internal RAW recording and 32 megapixel still photo capture, making it a true hybrid camera. Weighing approximately one and a half pounds, the EOS C50 is Canon’s smallest and lightest cinema camera ever, making it ideal for handheld and verité shooting.
The lightweight design and hyper-mobile form factor the EOS C50 camera meets growing demands from shooters who are increasingly looking for compact, ergonomic cinema cameras for a variety of settings and shooting styles. Excellent for large and small scale productions, documentary shooting in the field, social media video creation, sports, and more, the EOS C50 camera features a detachable top handle which adds two full-size XLR audio inputs, a start-stop button, and a zoom rocker for unbeatable agility. It also features an RF-mount, lending it native compatibility with a wide variety of Canon lenses, such as the new RF85mm F1.4 L VCM Hybrid Lens.
EOS C50 Camera Recording Options
At the heart of the EOS C50 camera is the 7K full-frame CMOS sensor, which is capable of a Dual Base ISO of 800 and 6400 in Canon Log 2, and 12-bit Cinema RAW Light recording at up to 7K 60P. This powerful sensor is coupled with a DIGIC DV7 processor. The EOS C50 is the first camera in the Cinema EOS lineup to feature the full frame 3:2 open gate recording. In addition to Cinema RAW Light and the standard XF-AVC, the EOS C50 camera also features XF- AVC S and XF-HEVC S recording codecs, proving an easy-to-manage naming system and folder structure, all while preserving metadata and recording in the familiar MP4 format.
Social media shooters will enjoy that the EOS C50 camera is capable of simultaneous crop recording when shooting in 4K DCI or UHD, allowing you to record at a chosen aspect ratio while also recording a cropped portion of the frame in 2K. When shooting in simultaneous crop mode, the three format options include: 9:17, 9:16, or 1:1.
For those looking for camera connectivity, the EOS C50 camera supports XC protocol which allows for remote control over IP via Wi-Fi® or a compatible third-party USB-C ethernet adapter. The EOS C50 camera is also compatible with the Multi Camera Control App and features native integration of frame.io camera to cloud.
New RF-Mount RF85mm F1.4 L VCM Hybrid Lens
The new RF-Mount RF85mm F1.4 L VCM Hybrid lens is the latest addition to Canon’s line of VCM lenses, designed for shooters who increasingly are seeking powerful options whether shooting stills or video content. The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM has a focal length of 85mm, making it perfect for portrait-style shooting. The lens provides beautiful background blurring, as well as a F1.4 Maximum aperture, and well-controlled focus breathing.
Firmware Updates for EOS C400, C80, C70, and R5C Cameras
A new firmware update for select Canon Cinema EOS cameras bring in a few of these bleeding-edge features, available later this year. New firmware updates will enable full frame 3:2 open gate recording (EOS C400), view assist in media mode, quality improvement of focus peaking, improved assign buttons, improved Joy-Stick operability (EOS C80 and EOS C400), and more.
Originally released in 2016, the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS still remains a popular compact camera. Appealing to fans of pocketable point and shoot style cameras, the newly updated PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A camera’s memory card slot will be changed from SD to microSD to help meet emerging needs in the compact camera market. The PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A camera will be available in two colors, black and silver.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS C50 camera is currently scheduled to ship towards the end of Q4 of 2025 for an estimated retail price of $3,899.00*. The firmware updates for EOS C400, C80, C70, and the R5C cameras are currently scheduled to be available in Q4 of 2025. The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM lens is currently scheduled to be available in September 2025 for an estimated retail price of $1,649.00* The new PowerShot ELPH 360 HS A camera is currently scheduled to be available in October 2025 for an estimated retail price of $379.99*. For more information, please visit www.usa.canon.com.
About Canon U.S.A. Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $28.5 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc., as of 2024 has ranked in the top-10 for U.S. patents granted for 41 consecutive years. † Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.
Specifications
Specifications
| Lens | |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum and Minimum Aperture | f/1.4 – f/16 |
| Lens Mount Type | RF Mount |
| Compatible Cameras | Canon EOS R-series, APS-C and full-frame |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.75m (2.46 ft.) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.12x |
| Field of View, at Minimum Focus Distance | Approx. 283mm × 190mm (7.7″ x 5.1″) |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | Approx 28º 30′ |
| Optical Design | |
| Lens Construction | 14 elements in 10 groups |
| Special Elements | (One) UD Lens, (One) Aspheric Lens |
| Lens Coating | Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), SSC (Super Spectra Coating), Fluorine Coating |
| Filter Size Diameter | ø67 mm |
| Aperture Blades | 11 |
| Image Stabilization (yaw/pitch directions) | N/A |
| Focusing | |
| Focusing Drive System | VCM (Voice Coil Motor) |
| Full-time Manual Focusing | Yes (Supports both ONE SHOT AF and SERVO AF with compatible EOS R-series cameras) |
| Dual Pixel CMOS AF Coverage (Horizontal x Vertical) | EOS R — Approx. 88% x 100%EOS R5/R6 — Approx. 100% x100% (With face + tracking-priority AF)EOS R1/R3/R5 Mark II/R6 Mark II/R8 — Approx. 100% x100% (Whole area AF)EOS R7/R10/R50 — Approx. 100% x 100% (Whole area AF) |
| Exterior Design | |
| Control Ring | Provided |
| Manual Focus Ring | Electronic ring system Full-time Manual focus possibleNo physical limit to ring rotational angle |
| AF/MF Switch | Provided |
| Iris Ring | Provided |
| Aperture value adjustment steps | During movie shooting: 1/32 stop; during still photo shooting: adjust on camera |
| Lens Function Button | Provided |
| Distance Scale | None • Distance scale available in EVF or Live View LCD screen of compatible EOS R-series cameras |
| Distance Limiter Switch | None |
| Dust / Weather Resistant Construction | Yes |
| Dimensions, Weight | |
| Maximum Outer Diameter x Length | Approx. ø3.0 in. x 3.9 in. (ø76.5mm x 99.3mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 1.4 lbs (22.43 oz) |
| Accessories | |
| Lens hood | Canon ET-73C • Cylindrical, 2-catch detachable bayonet hood attachable in reverse. (Bundled) |
| Lens Cap | (Front) Canon E-67II (center pinch-type) (Bundled) |
| Dust Cap | Canon Lens Dust Cap RF (Bundled) |
| Lens Case | Canon Lens Case LP1219 (Bundled) |
| Extension Tubes | None (No Canon RF mount extension tubes) |
| Close-up Lenses 250D / 500D | None (No ø67mm size available) |
| Canon RF Extender 1.4x/2x | Not compatible |
| Canon Gelatin Filter Holder III/IV | Not compatible |
| Rear Gelatin Filter Holder | Not compatible |
Gallery
Preorder RF 85mm F/1.4L VCM
- Adorama: Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM $1649
- Amazon: Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM $1649
- B&H Photo: Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM $1649
- Canon USA: Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM $1649
- *Midwest Photo: Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM $1649
- Foto Koch: Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM €1599
- Wex Photo: Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM £1679
*Midwest Photo Preorder Bonus – Receive 2-Year Canon CarePak Free Until 09/19/25
1.749,- € for RF 85mm f/1,4 L VCM (incl. VAT)
I sure want to test it. 85 to 100 is my main portrait range for FF. Maybe you feel the same...
I'm still in love with my father's vintage FD 100/2.0.
Pity, that it was stolen from my brother years ago...
I've really wanted to get into video more and I think an 85mm is a great range for it. As far as optical quality and performance, are the 85mm 1.2 & 85mm 1.4 VCM similar?
I'm sure a few people really need that 1.2 but I'm not sure I would, especially for video. That being said, I'd still want a good portrait/photography lens. The pricing on the VCM actually seems really good to me at the moment.
It may be too early to ask but I'm just curious how the two lenses compare with optical quality and speed. Not sure if there's MTF charts out or something that would help. From my understanding, the 85mm 1.2 is virtually flawless, one of the best lenses ever created by Canon. So I don't know if getting the 85 1.4 VCM would leave me with a nagging feeling like I should have gotten the 1.2. The 1.2 costs a lot more but I'm sure I could find a used, nearly mint one for quite a bit cheaper.
Any thoughts on quality and performance of the new VCM compared to the "old" 1.2?
I ordered from Foto Koch! Nice people.
I use the Leica R 135mm f/2.8. Found one for $300 CAD at a garage sale.
Some think they can interpret everything out of MTFs. 🙄
For sure, it's lighter, smaller and cheaper than the f/1.2. If less glass has to be moved, the VCM AF should also be faster.
I suppose f/1.4 is optically easier to control than f/1.2. But I am not sure how much effort Canon did put in this specific optical formula.
For sure, it will be (very) good. Will it become a legend? I don't care. I'm looking for tools. This could be a real good one.
I hope, that helps a bit 😉
I haven't shot much video, so I'm not even sure how much normal (not VCM) lenses impact video. Seems like it'd be less of an issue if you use an external mic or don't use audio directly from the camera. I'm very uneducated about video though, so can't really say. I'm planning on learning soon though!
Thanks for your reply, it actually helped quite a bit. I had a feeling I was jumping the gun inquiring about a new lens.
I didn't mention, that I am into stills and not video.
But if you want an 85 for video with AF the alternatives are few.
I own the RF85 STM. *yawn* what a slow AF. Okay for stills (!) portrait. Not for moving subjects.
So, one more point for the "tool" 85 VCM.
I too have basically only been into stills but I'd love to learn video. I have the R5Mii so it's a great opportunity. That being said, I have the 5Diii too, which could have created really nice videos. They did a long article on it here on CR a bit ago.
I'm just a hobbyist as of now but I've been getting more interested in doing real estate photography. Flambient style, especially. I've heard there's a good market for videos and stills in that area. I'd just love to create nice videos too, very professional looking ones. I honestly think it's going to take a long time to learn but sometimes that's the fun part!
First prices in the Netherlands for the RF 85mm f/1,4 L VCM are 1779.99 € and 1799 € (Incl. VAT).
The price is once again very steep. I was hoping it would at least match the price of the 50mm F1.4 VCM, but it is priced liked the RF 35mm F1.4. Since the 85mm F1.2 is more expansive than the 50mm F1.2 I figured it´d would be like that.
So, Canons pricing made my decision very easy: I'll get the RF 50mm F1.4 somewhere along the way until Christmas. I'll be looking to catch either a great Black Friday offer, a lens sell-out (usually -10% at Foto- Erhard, -Koch or -Leistenschneider) combined with cash back or simply a reasonable priced used copy. You gotta lower the (imho insane) pricing somehow. Also, I´ll keep the 85mm F2 and use it especially for close-ups etc.
All the VCM f1.4 line should have been given IS imho
Of course, you could use the lens with the R8, but I think Canon has the 85mm F2 in mind for those customers and it has IS.
R8 is more budget-conscious, the vcm line-up doesn't fit that bill. It is clearly intended for R1, R5, R6 users and those camera bodies all have IBIS.
Why so expensive? We don't have to pay tariffs unlike your neighbours to the south.
edit to add: 1999 CAD is 1445 USD so that is a tad less expensive than prices in the 'States.
FWIW: Christopher Frost is one of the very few reviewers that I like or even trust. I'll take a look at his review.
Edit: I didn´t mean Jordan Laing, I meant Christopher Frost.