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Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Prime/Zoom

96
/ 100
From $2,699
VS
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM wins by 10
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD — Prime/Zoom
Tamron

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Prime/Zoom

86
/ 100
From $899
Specdex verdict

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM lands at 96 and Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD at 86. That puts Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics

Pick Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sharpness

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM leads on sharpness (96 vs 86).

Build

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM leads on build (94 vs 88).

Autofocus

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM leads on af (95 vs 84).

Value for money

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD more score per dollar ($899 vs $2,699).

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM 96
vs
86 Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Score breakdown

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
96
sharpness 96
af 95
build 94
value 84
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
86
sharpness 86
af 84
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM versus Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

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

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Which is better, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM worth the price? +

At $2,699, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD worth the price? +

At $899, Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in build.

Does Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD 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 sharpness, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — leads on sharpness (96 vs 86). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — leads on build (94 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.