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I was going to include this in the announcement article, but then I realized that there are a few 85mm lenses we should compare in all of this, making it a bit too big for the announcement article. The new Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM sits between the consumer STM and the professional Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L in terms of price and size.
As you can see, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.4 is slightly bigger than the STM lens, while maintaining the same size as all the other VCM lenses. I feel like an idiot for not seeing sooner that all the VCM lenses are the same size. I presume this assists with video rigs that have focus adapters, etc.
That's actually cool – but I could see that limiting any future designs if they wish to maintain that standard. For instance, a 135mm f1.4 VCM will not fit into the exact dimensions as these lenses without bending space and time. That may actually provide us with future clues about VCM lenses, or even indicate if more are possible.
The Canon RF 85mm f1.4 is a 14-element, 10-group lens, with a decent minimum focus distance of 75cm (29 inches in freedom measurements). How do the basic specifications compare across all of the RF 85mm lenses? I'm glad you asked.
| RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM | RF 85mm f/1.2L USM | RF 85mm f/2 IS STM | |
| Information | |||
| Lens Type | Prime Lens | Prime Lens | Prime Lens |
| Max Format Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Focal Length | 85mm | 85mm | 85mm |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | Yes |
| Lens Mount | RF Mount | RF Mount | |
| Aperture | |||
| Maximum Aperture | F1.4 | F1.2 | F2 |
| Minimum Aperture | F16 | F16 | F16 |
| Optics | |||
| Elements | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Groups | 10 | 9 | 11 |
| Special Elements and Coatings | 1 UD, 1 GMo Asph | 1 BR, 1 UD, 1 GMo Asph | 1 UD |
| Focus | |||
| Minimum focus | 0.75 m (29.53″) | 0.85 m (33.46″) | 0.35 m (13.78″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12× | 0.12× | 0.5× |
| Autofocus Motor type | Linear Motor | Ring-type Ultrasonic | STM |
| Full Time Manual | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | |||
| Weight | 636 g (1.40 lb) | 1195 g (2.63 lb) | 500 g (1.10 lb) |
| Diameter | 77 mm (3.03″) | 103 mm (4.06″) | 78 mm (3.07″) |
| Length | 99 mm (3.9″) | 117 mm (4.62″) | 91 mm (3.56″) |
| Sealing | Yes | Yes | Black |
| Filter Thread | 67mm | 82mm | 67mm |
MTF Comparisons
Even at a glance, it's evident that this is really a two-lens race between the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM and the Canon RF 85mm F1.4L VCM.
The new Canon RF 85mm F1.4L, of course, has a slight advantage of being newer, and also 1/3 of a stop slower than the older Canon RF 85mm F1.2L. Objectively, astigmatism seems to be more well-controlled on the Canon RF 85mm F1.4 VCM, and the resolution has a smoother rolloff into the corners. The faster Canon RF 85mm F1.2 has a slight advantage in contrast and resolution, but to be honest, I really doubt anyone will be able to tell the difference in actual real-world photos.
| Canon RF 85mm F1.4L VCM | Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM | Canon RF 85mm F2.0 IS STM |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
The Canon RF 85mm F2.0 IS STM is simply happy to be mentioned in the same breath as these two other fantastic lenses. Still, it's also no slouch in its center performance, but has a more dramatic contrast and resolution loss in the corners.
The Canon RF 85mm F1.4 VCM looks *that* good as most of the VCM level of primes, so it's almost a certainty that if you have any thoughts about buying it, get on the preorder list now.
As I wrote in the other 85 VCM thread, I prefer RL comparisons.
And, TBH, at the MRSP the VCM is not on my list. That'll change, for sure, as soon as some discounts take place and maybe some cashback includes this lens... 😎
And it is, from f/2,8 to f/11, tack sharp. Sure, the f/1,2 and f/1,4 are the better lenses, optically. But carrying the f/1,2 all day long, the f/1,4 plus additional macro lens during hikes spoils it for me.
With the EOS R, I had the impression that images were really sharp even at f2. With the R5 the soft corners and sometimes some fringing does show, but the IQ is still great.
While hiking, I don't always carry my "best" lenses, I carry the lightest. The 16mm, 35mm, 85mm and 100-400mm are excellent for hiking and they produce really nice results. My other hiking combo is the RF 14-35mm and 70-200mm F4, or a combo of a light prime and a zoom. I only take e.g. my RF 100-500mm when I know I want to take a pic that'll print and hang in living room or something.
The EF 50mm f/1,8 being a notable exception.
That's why I'm looking closely at the VCM.
If I were a portrait photographer, I would have both lenses. One for people f/1,2, the other one f/2 for hikes.
It's so nice to have the choice!
They aren't "mk ii" but the non L 24, 28, and 35 all have older designs and newer (at the time of release) IS designs. Now that I got someone feeling hopeful, the length of time between versions was always more than 15 years😈