Here is a new Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Review. The RF 85mm f/2 is one of the less expensive lenses for the EOS R system.

Coming from Dustin Abbott, this is a full and exhaustive Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Review. From Dustin Abbott’s conclusion:

[the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM] has a lot of great virtues optically, delivering great detail, nice bokeh, and a quality of rendering that is quite excellent.

But the autofocus left me often frustrated, and that’s even more disappointing in a day where I’m seeing great autofocus from all kinds of players in the lens market.  […]  This lens needed Canon’s Nano-USM rather than the cheaper STM motor.  The great optical performance is unfortunately let down by a disappointing autofocus system.

[…] I really, really want to love this lens, as the idea of an affordable, optically excellent 85mm lens that just happens to do 1:2 macro competently is an enticing one. But while I loved the images I got from the [RF 85mm f/2], I found the process of getting them often frustrating. You’ll have to determine whether you can live with the flaws I’ve detailed. User reviews are generally very positive, though the one caveat that does routinely show up is some disappointment with the autofocus. The lens is otherwise good enough that it might be worth living with, but ultimately you’ll have to make that call for yourself.

As usual the review comes with a huge set of sample pictures, comparison charts, and all the information you might want to know. Dustin’s reviews are what I look for when I am about to purchase new gear. And for those who prefer to watch their reviews, Dustin Abbott provides a comprehensive video-review.

A 13 minutes summary of the review:

And the full and definitive review:

You can follow Dustin Abbott on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Flickr | 500px.

Other reviews have been more positive and consider the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM to be a very good performer. Some say 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

The Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS STM is one of the less expensive lenses for the RF mount (not a boutique lens). And it has macro functionality.

At a glance:

• RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Maximum Magnification: 1:2
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 1.15′
• One UD Element

Photography Blog reviewed the Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS STM MACRO lens for the Canon EOS R system, and came away with a rather positive impression. This lens is a no brainer, as well as the upcoming RF 50mm f/1.8 will be, and should be in every EOS R owner’s camera bag. From their conclusion:

The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is one of the most affordable lenses in the still relatively new Canon full-frame mirrorless system, and thankfully it’s also a great lens to boot.

It’s a very versatile lens, doubling up as both a great 85mm prime for portraits and as a 1:2 magnification macro lens.

Subsequently we think it deserves to find a place in the camera bag of every Canon EOS R owner, especially given the eye-watering size and price of its main rival, the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.

There’s lots to like in terms of the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM’s image quality, and very little to complain about.

This lens is sharp almost from the get-go, excellent in the centre and at the edges when shooting wide open at f/2 and outstanding between f/2.8 and f/16.

It’s capable of producing some lovely bokeh effects for what is after all only an f/2 lens, helped by the ability to focus as close as 35cms away from your subject.

Read the review at Photography Blog…

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