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Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — Full-frame · 950 g · Pro portrait
Canon

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Full-frame · 950 g · Pro portrait

96
/ 100
From $2,299
VS
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM wins by 11
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD — Prime/zoom
Tamron

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Prime/zoom

85
/ 100
From $699
Specdex verdict

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lands at 96 and Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD at 85. That puts Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM ahead by 11 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM if…

  • ✓Breathtaking bokeh
  • ✓Sharp wide open
  • ✓Weather-sealed L build

Pick Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD if…

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

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM leads on build (98 vs 90).

Sharpness

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM leads on sharpness (98 vs 85).

Autofocus

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM leads on af (94 vs 81).

Value for money

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD more score per dollar ($699 vs $2,299).

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM 96
vs
85 Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Score breakdown

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
96
sharpness 98
af 94
build 98
value 82
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
85
sharpness 85
af 81
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM versus Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
Mount
Canon RF
—
Aperture
f/1.2
—
Weight
950 g
—
Filter size
77 mm
—

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Pros
  • +Breathtaking bokeh
  • +Sharp wide open
  • +Weather-sealed L build
Cons
  • −Heavy at 950 g
  • −Expensive
  • −Breathing present

Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

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

FAQ: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Which is better, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD? +

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 11. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM worth the price? +

At $2,299, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD worth the price? +

At $699, Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in build.

Does Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD 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.

Which is better for build, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD? +

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — leads on build (98 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD? +

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM — leads on sharpness (98 vs 85). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.