The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is a unique L-series lens for both still-image and video enthusiasts. It boasts a medium-telephoto focal length, a blazing fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, and top-notch optical design. On a full-frame camera, it offers one of the most common focal lengths for portraits, a timeless choice. The video side really shines with a dedicated manual iris ring and a silent VCM (Voice Coil Motor) for smooth focus. And guess what? Focus breathing is minimal on this versatile lens.

Incredible Feature Set from an Incredible Lens

This lens has a lot going for it. You already know about the new VCM and Iris control ring, but there is so much more. You can attach filters to this lens with a front 67mm screw thread that accepts screw-on filters. You also have a control ring and a control button both of which you can assign functions to. This lens is also dust and weather resistant, has one aspheric lenses, and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) to reduce ghosting.

Time to Focus on Focusing

The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is part of a series of “hybrid” lenses that focus on video performance as much as still photography.  One of these features is a change to how the focus system works.  There is a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) that powers the focus unit.  This focus motor works at an incredible speed and in near silence.  One important note about the VCM is that it requires power to hold its position, so when the camera is off, or the lens is not attached to a camera, you may hear and feel slight movement.  This is normal, and there is extra cushioning inside the lens to help prevent damage in this situation.

Excellent Image Quality

Again, thanks to the Canon RF lens mount, the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM lens offers great optical quality. Its optical design includes one UD lens and one aspheric lens as well as Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to reduce ghosting, and Fluorine coating on the front and rear lens surfaces to help mitigate smudges. On top of that, this lens features the same dust- and water-resistance found on L-series lenses with seals around the Control ring, focus ring, zoom ring, operation panel, and lens mount.

Let’s Get Moving on the Conversation About Videos!

This lens is part of a family of “hybrid” lenses that focus on video creation as much as still photography. To that end, this lens features a manual iris control ring so you can smoothly change the aperture from f/1.4 to f/16 during video capture. Thanks to advancements in lens design, focus breathing on this lens is extremely minimal, and backlit images are sharp. Combine all of these features, and you’ve got a great video lens in your hands.

Get Close

With a minimum focus distance of just under 2.5 feet, an f/1.4 aperture, and a uniquely portrait look you can capture some really compelling imagery that is sure to capture attention.

Focal Length  85mm

Maximum and Minimum Aperture  f/1.4 - f/16

Lens Mount Type  RF Mount

Compatible Cameras  Canon EOS R-series, APS-C and full-frame

Minimum Focusing Distance  0.75m (2.46 ft.)

Maximum Magnification  0.12x

Field of View, at Minimum Focus Distance  Approx. 283mm × 190mm (7.7" x 5.1")

Angle of View (Diagonal)  Approx 28º 30'

Lens Construction  14 elements in 10 groups

Special Elements  (One) UD Lens, (One) Aspheric Lens

Lens Coating  Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), SSC (Super Spectra Coating), Fluorine Coating

Filter Size Diameter  ø67 mm

Aperture Blades  11

Focusing Drive System  VCM (Voice Coil Motor)

Full-time Manual Focusing  Yes
                                           (Supports both ONE SHOT AF and SERVO AF with compatible EOS R-series cameras)

Dual Pixel CMOS AF Coverage (Horizontal x Vertical)  • EOS R — Approx. 88% x 100%
                                                                                       • EOS R5/R6 — Approx. 100% x100% (With face + tracking-priority AF)
                                                                                       • EOS R1/R3/R5 Mark II/R6 Mark II/R8 — Approx. 100% x100% (Whole area AF)
                                                                                       • EOS R7/R10/R50 — Approx. 100% x 100% (Whole area AF)

Control Ring  Provided

Manual Focus Ring   Electronic ring system
                                 • Full-time Manual focus possible
                                 • No physical limit to ring rotational angle

AF/MF Switch  Provided

Iris Ring  Provided

Aperture value adjustment steps  During movie shooting: 1/32 stop; during still photo shooting: adjust on camera

Lens Function Button  Provided

Distance Scale  None
                          • Distance scale available in EVF or Live View LCD screen of compatible EOS R-series cameras

Distance Limiter Switch   None

Dust / Weather Resistant Construction  Yes

Maximum Outer Diameter x Length   Approx. ø3.0 in. x 3.9 in. (ø76.5mm x 99.3mm)

Weight   Approx. 1.4 lbs (22.43 oz)