Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Review (can it offer superior image quality?)

Here is a new, good Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM review. This relatively affordable lens for the EOS R is gaining momentum among reviewers.

Coming from Christopher Frost, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM review investigates image stabilization, macro ability and overall image quality, among other stuff. Image quality can’t be that bad if this lens scored better than the EF 85mm f/1.2 at DxOMark”s test.

The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a very good performer, other reviews confirmed it. This lens is just a no brainer for any EOS R owner.

Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS STM Macro:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM description:

Combining a short-telephoto field of view with a sleek design and close-focusing performance, the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a well-rounded lens for a range of subjects, from portraits to macro subjects. Its close focus design enables working with subject matter as close as 1.15′ away with a 1:2 maximum magnification and the STM stepping motor affords impressively quiet and smooth autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override. Helping to create sharp imagery, the lens also features optical image stabilization, along with Hybrid IS, to suppress up to five stops of camera shake for cleaner, steadier shooting. A UD (Ultra low Dispersion) element is also used in the optical design to minimize aberrations and ensure clarity. Additionally, a configurable Control Ring lets you adjust exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation, from the lens itself.

• Portrait-length prime is designed for use with full-frame Canon RF-mount mirrorless digital cameras.
• Modest-but-bright f/2 maximum aperture maintains an overall sleek form factor while also benefitting working in available lighting conditions.
• Macro design benefits working with close-up subjects and provides a 1:2 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 1.15′.
• An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to five stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds. Also, a Hybrid IS setting compensates for angular and shift-type camera movements to specifically benefit close-up shooting.
• STM stepping motor offers fast, quiet, smooth, and accurate autofocus performance that is ideal for video recording as well as still shooting.
• Configurable Control Ring can be used to adjust a variety of exposure settings, including aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation.
• Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.