Canon RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM Lens

Canon’s Hybrid Prime series brings consistent handling and professional optical performance to the RF system. The RF 85 mm f1.4 L VCM is the short-telephoto option in the range, delivering flattering subject compression and smooth background separation through its bright f1.4 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm. Weighing 636g, it combines quiet VCM autofocus with video-oriented controls for wedding photographers, portrait specialists and small hybrid crews.

Canon RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM Lens Key Features:

• Short-telephoto prime lens for Canon’s RF Hybrid Prime line-up
• 85 mm focal length for flattering portraits and subject isolation
• Premium optical design featuring 14 elements in 10 groups
• Includes 1 UD and 1 glass-moulded aspherical element
• Wide, bright, and fast f1.4 maximum aperture for low-light control
• 11-blade aperture diaphragm for naturally smooth bokeh
• Minimum focusing distance of 0.75m with 0.12x magnification
• ASC and Super Spectra coatings minimise flare and ghosting
• Quiet, fast and precise VCM autofocus motor
• Focus breathing suppression for stable video framing
• Smooth iris ring and control ring for hybrid shooting
• Customisable lens button for maximum on-lens control
• Unified exterior design consistent across Hybrid Prime lenses
• 67mm filter thread for attaching optional accessories
• Approx. 636g weight with a compact 99.3mm barrel length

What’s new?

The RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM introduces a dedicated short-telephoto option to Canon’s Hybrid Prime series, joining the 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm f1.4 lenses. It gives photographers and filmmakers the classic 85mm perspective with natural subject compression and background separation, while maintaining the line’s consistent 99.3mm barrel length and 67mm filter thread. At just 636g, it sits between the RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM and the RF 85mm f1.2L USM (DS), offering a balance of speed, portability and L-series performance. Compared with the EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM, it delivers a clear step forward in handling, size and imaging capabilities.

Advanced optical construction

The RF 85 mm f1.4 L VCM features a 14-element, 10-group optical construction specifically designed for the RF mount. A UD element works in conjunction with a glass-moulded aspherical element to control chromatic aberrations and distortion, while Air Sphere and Super Spectra coatings reduce flare and ghosting for enhanced contrast in challenging lighting conditions. The wide f1.4 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm produce smooth, rounded bokeh, and the 0.75 m minimum focusing distance with 0.12x magnification allows you to frame detailed close-ups without losing the short-telephoto perspective.

Video optimisations

Every lens in the Hybrid Prime series uses Canon’s Voice Coil Motor (VCM), engineered to drive larger internal elements with speed, accuracy and near-silent operation. On the 85mm f1.4 L VCM, the motor delivers sharp focusing for portraits and weddings while maintaining smooth, controlled transitions for video. The design suppresses focus breathing to maintain steady framing. A de-clickable iris ring offers 1/32-step exposure control, and the control ring and customisable lens button provide direct access to key settings. When paired with in-body stabilisation on compatible EOS R cameras, the optical stabiliser works with the body to achieve up to 8 stops (CIPA) of correction for handheld or gimbal shooting.

L-series build and handling

This short-telephoto prime retains the same 76.5 x 99.3mm barrel and 67mm filter thread as the wider Hybrid Prime lenses, allowing users to swap between focal lengths without needing to rebalance a gimbal or adjust accessories. At 636g, it remains easy to manage during longer shoots, while durable weather sealing and a fluorine-coated front element protect the lens in challenging environments.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Canon RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM Lens
• 1 x Lens Cap E-67 II
• 1 x Lens Dust Cap RF
• 1 x Lens Hood ET-73C
• 1 x Lens Case LP1219

Canon RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM Lens Product Video:

FAQs:

What type of photography is the Canon RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM best suited to?

The RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM is a short-telephoto lens optimised for hybrid creators capturing stills and video. Portrait and wedding photographers often choose it for its flattering perspective and smooth background blur. For video, the compact build and quiet autofocus make it easy to rig on gimbals, providing stable framing and cinematic rendering for small crews, interviews, and documentary-style storytelling.

Are there other lenses in the Canon Hybrid Prime series?

Yes. The RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM is part of Canon’s Hybrid Prime line, a family of lenses designed with consistent handling, compact builds and video-friendly controls. Alongside the 85mm, the range includes 20mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm focal lengths. Each shares the same 67 mm filter thread and similar barrel length, making it easy to swap between lenses when working with rigs, gimbals or matte boxes.

Can I use filters with the Canon RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM?

Yes. Like the other lenses in Canon’s Hybrid Prime series, the RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM features a standard 67mm front filter thread. This thread makes it straightforward to attach commonly used filters such as UV, polarising and neutral density. The unified filter size across the range also allows creators to transfer the same filters between multiple lenses without the need for step-up rings.

Canon RF 85mm f1.4 L VCM Lens - Sample Images