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Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Prime/zoom

90
/ 100
From $1,599
VS
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM wins by 6
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Prime/Zoom

96
/ 100
From $2,999
Specdex verdict

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM lands at 90 and Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM at 96. That puts Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM 90
vs
96 Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Score breakdown

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
90
sharpness 90
af 86
build 90
value 86
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
96
sharpness 96
af 95
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM versus Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Which is better, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM or Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM? +

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM worth the price? +

At $1,599, Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM worth the price? +

At $2,999, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM or Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.