Canon has released detail of a new standard medium telephoto prime lens for portraiture with half-life-size macro capabilities.
Angled view of the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM lens. (Source: Canon.)
Due for release in October, the RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM is a wide-aperture portrait lens that offers 5-stop Image Stabilisation (IS), which increases to eight stops of coordinated control IS when used with EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras. It also includes half-life-size ‘macro’ capabilities to a 35 cm minimum focal distance with a 1:2 magnification ratio. The f/2 maximum aperture can be used to provide a shallow depth of field in portraits and the STM autofocus motor achieves quick and smooth focus both for stills and video. Like other lenses in the new releases, it comes with a built-in programmable Lens Control Ring on the barrel.
The table below lists key specifications for this lens.
| RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS USM | |
| Mount | Canon RF |
| Focal length range | 85 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 |
| Minimum focusing distance | 35 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0.5x |
| Lens construction | 12 elements in 11 groups |
| Special glass elements | One UD |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm |
| Diaphragm blades | 9 (circular aperture) |
| Stabilisation | Yes; 5 stops |
| Focus drive system | STM (stepping motor) |
| Dimensions (d x l) | Approx. 78 mm x 90.5 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 500 grams |
| Lens hood | ET-77 (sold separately) |
| Lens cap | E-67II (supplied) |
The RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS USM lens is sold without a lens hood. The leaked US price is US$599 (roughly AU$858) but the published RRP on Canon Australia’s online store is AU$1290. The best offer from a local re-seller with a listed price for this lens is $1099.
