Canon RF 85mm F2 micro IS STM User Manual

The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a well-rounded portrait lens designed for the Canon EOS R system. It offers a balance of features, including a wide aperture, macro capabilities, image stabilization, and a compact size. This review will delve into the lens’s key aspects to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your photography needs.

Image Quality

• Sharpness: The RF 85mm delivers excellent sharpness, even wide open at f/2. The center of the frame is particularly sharp, with only a slight falloff towards the corners. Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 further improves sharpness across the entire frame.
• Bokeh: The lens produces pleasing bokeh with smooth, circular bokeh balls. The quality of the bokeh is largely dependent on the aperture and the distance to the subject. At wider apertures, the bokeh is more pronounced and creamy.
• Color Rendering: The RF 85mm accurately renders colors, producing vibrant and natural-looking images. The lens’s color rendition is consistent across the entire focal length range.

Performance

• Autofocus: The lens employs a stepping motor (STM) for autofocus, which is generally quiet and smooth. It’s suitable for both stills and video, providing accurate and reliable focusing performance.
• Image Stabilization: The built-in image stabilization (IS) effectively compensates for camera shake, allowing for handheld shooting in low-light conditions. This is particularly beneficial for portrait photography, where even slight camera movement can affect the sharpness of the image.
• Macro Capabilities: The RF 85mm offers a maximum magnification ratio of 0.5x, making it suitable for close-up photography. While it’s not a true 1:1 macro lens, it can still capture detailed shots of subjects like flowers or insects.

Design and Build Quality

• Size and Weight: The lens is relatively compact and lightweight for an 85mm f/2 lens, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods.
• Build Quality: The RF 85mm is well-constructed with a solid metal exterior. It feels durable and capable of withstanding regular use.
• Customization: The lens features a customizable control ring that can be assigned to various camera functions, such as aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO.

Overall 

The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a versatile portrait lens that offers excellent image quality, reliable autofocus, and useful features like image stabilization and macro capabilities. Its compact size and affordable price make it a great choice for photographers looking for a high-performing 85mm lens for their EOS R system.