Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Prime/zoom

82
/ 100
From $479
VS
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM wins by 14
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Prime/Zoom

96
/ 100
From $2,699
Specdex verdict

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

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G lands at 82 and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM at 96. That puts Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM ahead by 14 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G if…

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

Pick Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

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 90).

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 82).

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 78).

Value for money

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G more score per dollar ($479 vs $2,699).

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G 82
vs
96 Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Score breakdown

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
82
sharpness 82
af 78
build 90
value 86
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
96
sharpness 96
af 95
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G versus Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

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 85mm f/1.2L USM

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

FAQ: Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Which is better, Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 14. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G worth the price? +

At $479, Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in build.

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.

Does Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L 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.

Which is better for build, Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — leads on sharpness (96 vs 82). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.