Canon RF 85mm f1.2 vs RF 28 70mm f2 - Which One is Right for You?
In this video we’re going to be comparing the Canon 85mm f1.2 L against the Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L. They are both top tier lenses with a similar price tag. If you’re thinking of investing in one you might also consider investing in the other as well. I’m going to explore the differences between these lenses from the perspective of a portrait photographer and hopefully give you some perspective on which lens would be the best investment for your photography business.
Model: Stefania Cima on Instagram
Which Lens Suits Your Photography Needs?
When it comes to selecting the ideal portrait lens for your Canon RF mount camera, two standout options often come to mind: the RF 85mm f/1.2L and the RF 28-70mm f/2L. Both lenses deliver exceptional image quality and are built to meet the demands of professional photographers, but they serve different purposes and shooting styles. The RF 85mm is a classic choice for portraiture, prized for its beautiful subject separation and dreamy bokeh. In contrast, the RF 28-70mm offers a unique blend of flexibility and performance, allowing photographers to cover multiple focal lengths without sacrificing optical quality. Ultimately, the best lens for you comes down to how you shoot, what you shoot, and the creative look you're going for. Your gear should support your artistic vision, not define it.
Build and Design
Both lenses showcase Canon’s premium L-series construction, offering exceptional durability and weather sealing. Each lens features Canon’s customizable control ring, enhancing usability in professional workflows. More importantly, they both utilize Canon’s highest-quality optics and advanced lens coatings, delivering top-tier performance. The RF 85mm f/1.2L, a prime lens, is renowned for its buttery-smooth bokeh and outstanding low-light capabilities. Meanwhile, the RF 28-70mm f/2L defies typical zoom expectations, providing stellar image quality throughout its range—potentially replacing multiple prime lenses in your kit.
Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, both of these lenses represent the pinnacle of Canon’s RF lens engineering. The RF 85mm f/1.2L delivers exceptional sharpness and arguably some of the creamiest, most aesthetically pleasing bokeh available in a portrait lens. Thanks to its ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture and large precision-ground aspherical and UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements, it offers outstanding subject isolation and impressive performance in low-light environments.
On the other hand, the RF 28-70mm f/2L stands out as one of the sharpest zoom lenses ever made. With a constant f/2 aperture and an optical formula that includes multiple UD elements and advanced lens coatings, it rivals, or even surpasses, many prime lenses in clarity and contrast. The lens maintains sharpness and color accuracy across the entire zoom range, making it an incredibly versatile option for photographers who need flexibility without compromising image quality.
If pristine image quality is at the top of your priority list, both lenses will exceed your expectations. They produce crisp, high-resolution images with beautiful color rendering and minimal optical imperfections, whether you're shooting portraits, events, or lifestyle imagery.
Here is a shot taken with the RF 28-70 at minimum focus distance 28mm. The Bokeh is decent.
Autofocus Performance
Both lenses are equipped with fast, reliable autofocus systems that perform exceptionally well, even when shooting wide open. Eye-detection autofocus is consistently accurate on both, locking onto subjects quickly and maintaining precise focus throughout a sequence. The RF 85mm f/1.2L has a slight edge in low-light situations thanks to its ultra-wide aperture, allowing it to gather more light and maintain responsiveness in challenging conditions. One particularly noteworthy improvement is how much faster and quieter the RF 85mm f/1.2L focuses compared to its predecessor, the EF 85mm f/1.2L. Canon has made significant strides in refining the autofocus motor and responsiveness, making the RF version far more practical for dynamic shooting situations. While the RF 28-70mm f/2L is a zoom lens, its autofocus performance is still impressive, keeping pace with fast-moving subjects and offering dependable tracking across the focal range.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, the RF 28-70mm f/2L is in a league of its own. Covering a highly useful focal range from wide-angle (28mm) to short telephoto (70mm), it gives photographers the flexibility to adapt to a wide variety of shooting scenarios without changing lenses. At 28mm, you can capture expansive environmental portraits, venue details, or street scenes with context and atmosphere. Zooming to 50mm offers a natural perspective ideal for candid moments or editorial-style portraits, while 70mm lets you compress the background and isolate subjects for a more intimate, flattering look. This lens is particularly well-suited for wedding, event, lifestyle, and commercial work, essentially any situation where time is limited and flexibility is key.
In contrast, the RF 85mm f/1.2L is a more specialized tool, designed with portraiture in mind. The medium telephoto focal length combined with the extremely wide aperture creates stunning subject separation and background blur, making it perfect for headshots, fashion photography, or any scenario where emotional impact and visual depth are important. While less flexible in terms of framing, the 85mm rewards careful composition with a uniquely cinematic look. That said, it still earns a spot in many wedding photographers’ bags, not just for portraits, but also for capturing intimate, storytelling moments from a distance without intruding.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to how you work: if you prefer to move your feet less and have flexibility in one lens, the 28-70mm f/2L delivers unmatched convenience. If you’re focused on portraiture or artistic expression with maximum subject isolation, the 85mm f/1.2L offers an unparalleled visual signature.
Size and Weight
Both lenses are substantial in size and weight. The 85mm f/1.2L is hefty, but the 28-70mm f/2L is even more so, given its zoom range and constant f/2 aperture. Photographers should consider this, especially for handheld shooting over extended periods.
Price Point
Both of these lenses represent a significant investment, reflecting their professional-grade optics, build quality, and performance. The RF 85mm f/1.2L is slightly more affordable than the RF 28-70mm f/2L, but the price difference isn’t dramatic. When choosing between them, it’s important to consider more than just the price tag, you need to evaluate how each lens aligns with your shooting style and the type of work you do.
Check current prices on Amazon
RF 85mm f/1.2L Price
RF 28-70mm f/2L Price
Your portfolio is your most powerful marketing tool, and the gear you choose should help you create images that stand out and resonate with your clients. Ask yourself: which lens allows you to better express your creative vision? Which one helps you deliver more value and variety to your clients? The answer to those questions will often lead you to the right investment.
And let’s be honest, if you’re passionate about lenses, the real question isn’t which one you should buy, but which one you should buy first. lol
Conclusion
Choosing between the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L and the RF 28-70mm f/2L ultimately comes down to your shooting style, subject matter, and the type of look you want to deliver in your work. If you’re a portrait photographer who values dreamy bokeh and subject isolation, the RF 85mm f/1.2L is a clear winner. It excels in creating emotionally impactful images, especially when shooting wide open, and it brings a unique aesthetic that can elevate your portraiture to another level.
On the other hand, if your work demands flexibility, whether you're shooting weddings, events, editorial work, or fast-paced environments, the RF 28-70mm f/2L is an incredible all-in-one powerhouse. It allows you to adapt to changing scenes quickly while maintaining professional-level image quality across its entire zoom range. It’s one of the few zoom lenses out there that truly challenges the sharpness and clarity of prime lenses.
In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, ask yourself: What kind of photographer are you, and what kind of photographer do you want to become? Which lens will help you create the kind of images that will grow your portfolio, excite your clients, and keep you inspired every time you pick up your camera?
For me personally, the RF 85mm f/1.2L was the lens that spoke to my style first. There's a magic to its rendering that’s hard to explain until you’ve seen it in your own images. It doesn’t just take photos, it helps you create moments that feel timeless. That’s why, even with both lenses in my kit today, the 85mm was the one I chose to invest in first.
Whichever path you choose, both of these lenses represent the very best of what Canon’s RF lineup has to offer, and you really can’t go wrong with either lens.
🚀 EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO
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Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L - https://amzn.to/3V4nN28
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