Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens Overview

The Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM lens is a versatile prime lens that’s great for both portraits and close-up photography. As a prime lens with an 85mm focal length, it’s ideal for headshots and half-body portraits. The wide f2 aperture lets in plenty of light, allowing you to easily blur the background and draw attention to your subject. The “f2” refers to the aperture, which is the opening in the lens that light travels through. The wider the aperture (the smaller the f-number), the more light reaches the camera’s sensor and the blurrier backgrounds can get.

This lens also has optical image stabilisation, which helps prevent blurry photos when shooting handheld in low-light situations. The stabilisation uses gyro sensors to detect camera movement and shifts lens elements to counteract it. This allows you to get sharp shots at slower shutter speeds than normally possible without a tripod. For getting crisp handheld photos indoors or in darker conditions, image stabilisation can make a real difference.

Being a macro lens, the Canon RF 85mm enables you to focus at very close distances to magnify small subjects. This makes it great for detailed close-up photography of flowers, insects, products, textures, and more. The minimum focus distance is just under a foot, allowing huge magnification ratios at its closest focus point. The macro capability gives this lens a lot of creative versatility beyond just portraits.

With the STM focus motor, autofocus is smooth, quiet, and well-suited for both photos and video. Manual focus override is also available if desired. The compact, lightweight design also maximises portability for carrying around all day. So whether you’re shooting portraits, candids, travel images, food photos, or macro subjects, the Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM is an excellent all-around prime lens for hobbyists and enthusiasts.

Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens Key Features:

• f2 maximum aperture for blurry backgrounds
• Optical image stabilisation up to 5 stops
• Macro magnification up to 1:2 ratio
• STM focus motor for smooth and quiet AF
• Control ring for exposure adjustments
• Moisture and dust sealing
• Customisable focus hold controls
• Compatible with RF mount cameras

Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens User Benefits:

• Beautifully blurred backgrounds for portraits
• Sharper handheld shots and stabilised video
• Intimate close-ups of small subjects
• Accurate and discreet autofocus performance
• Assignable ring for intuitive adjustments
• Durable construction for reliability
• Customisable AF stop button
• Unlocks capabilities of EOS R cameras

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens Features In details

F2 Maximum Aperture

The relatively wide f2 maximum aperture enables beautifully soft and blurred backgrounds, ideal for portraiture. By letting in more light, it allows using faster shutter speeds in low light. It also creates more separation between subjects and backgrounds to make them stand out. Photographers can leverage the f2 aperture to get those coveted creamy bokeh effects for artistic shots.

Up to 5 Stops Optical Image Stabilisation

With up to 5 stops of optical image stabilisation, this lens delivers sharp, blur-free handheld shots and stable video even when using slower shutter speeds. The stabilisation system detects camera shake and shifts correctional lens elements to counteract it. This makes a significant difference when shooting in low light, at telephoto ranges, or while walking and moving. Photographers can capture tack-sharp images and smooth footage thanks to this highly effective built-in stabilisation.

1:2 Macro Magnification Ratio

Featuring a superb macro magnification ratio of 1:2, this lens produces striking close-up photographs. It focuses as far as 1.15 ft, allowing users to shoot detailed frames of small subjects like flowers, insects, textures, products and more. The high magnification brings out the most subtle details and patterns that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Getting creative with macro photography is easy with this lens.

STM Focus Motor

The STM focus motor enables smooth, quiet, and fast autofocus suited for both stills and video recording. Focus transitions are pleasingly discreet, not disturbing video or interfering with the subject. Manual focus override is also available by simply turning the control ring. Between the advanced auto and manual modes, photographers have complete flexible control over focusing performance.

Control Ring for Adjustments

There is a customisable control ring on the lens barrel for intuitive exposure, ISO, and other adjustments without taking your eye off the viewfinder. It provides direct access to key settings, facilitating quick in-shooting tweaks to dial in your photographic vision. It can be set up to control exactly what you need for your style of shooting.

Moisture and Dust Sealing

With seals around buttons, rings, and the mounting interface, this lens offers reassurance for photographers who often work in challenging environments. The seals help prevent dust and moisture ingress that could damage the lens and camera. It gives users the confidence to keep shooting in light rain, mist, and other semi-adverse conditions.

Customisable Focus Hold Button

The lens has a customisable focus hold button that lets you stop autofocus at any time with your thumb, without altering the AF start/stop set on the camera body. This helps ensure the focus stays locked right where you want it when there are objects between you and the subject that can interfere with AF. It allows accurate focus control, adding certainty to important shots.

Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens Compatibility

The Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens is compatible with the following Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras:

• EOS R
• EOS RP
• EOS R5
• EOS R6
• EOS R3
• EOS R5 C
• EOS R7
• EOS R8
• EOS R10
• EOS R100
• EOS R50
• EOS R6 Mark II

Photography Styles for the Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens

• Portrait Photography – F2 aperture beautifully blurs backgrounds to make subjects pop whilst 85mm is a classic head and shoulders framing. Image stabilisation delivers tack sharp focus for professional model shots.
• Food Photography – Get as close as 1.15ft with 1:2 macro to highlight appetising dishes and details diners notice. The focus hold button helps lock sharpness precisely on meals as you photograph above busy restaurant tables.
• Event Photography – Low light performer with bright f2 aperture, fast autofocus and stabilisation for candid party photos. Capture all the fun without blurry results thanks to optical stabilisation.
• Landscape Photography – Moisture and dust resistance makes it durable for outdoor shoots in less-than-ideal weather. Stunning compression and subject isolation offered by 85mm perspective.
• Product Photography – Life-sized 1:2 macro magnification combined with gorgeous background blur is perfect for artistic high-value product images. Every flawless detail of items stands out.
• Pet Photography – Fast and quiet autofocus won’t startle animals whilst image stabilisation ensures moving furry friends stay in sharp focus for cute pet pics. Get big flattering portraits of cats and dogs.
• Video Blogging – Excellent STM stabilisation keeps handheld vlog footage smooth when walking and talking. Pleasantly discreet autofocus transitions won’t be noticeable in your videos.

Offering advanced optics like bright f2 aperture, 1:2 macro and robust stabilisation paired with refined handling, the RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM lens suits portraiture, food photography, events and video for enthusiasts and professionals.

What We Think of The Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens Review

The Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM hits a sweet spot between affordability and impressive capabilities. It delivers pro-level optics like a bright f2 aperture for creamy bokeh, highly effective stabilisation up to 5 stops, and a 1:2 macro magnification ratio for impactful close-ups. Autofocus is fast and quiet thanks to STM technology suited for both stills and video. The moisture resistance offers reassurance when shooting outdoors in trying weather.

Photographers who want more advanced features than a basic prime lens without the premium price tag of pro-L-series glass will find this delivers excellent value. It packs in the performance to create stunning portraits with blurred backgrounds, immersive event images in low light, mouthwatering food shots exhibiting fine details, and even landscapes with enhanced perspective compression.

The addition of a customisable control ring and focus hold button gives a professional feel to the handling. In an affordable lens of this focal length for the RF mount system, we don’t expect features like these. They show Canon’s commitment to maximising functionality.

If you’re an enthusiast photographer or aspiring professional needing a flexible 85mm prime lens for portraits, events, food photography, and video, the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro STM warrants strong consideration. Given the balance of advanced optics, effective stabilisation, refined handling, and reasonable price points, we think this lens hits a sweet spot for serious creators.

What’s In The Box

• RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens
• Lens Cap E-67 II
• Lens Dust Cap RF
• User Manual Kit

Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens Sample Images

Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens Specifications

Canon RF 85mm f2 IS Macro STM Lens FAQ