Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM § 03 Head to head
Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM vs Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF
Canon 85mm f/1.4 is 21 mm shorter. Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is 52 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Canon RF mount: the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM is an 85mm f/1.4 prime, and the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF is an 85mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM 
Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM better than the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF?
- 21 mm shorter (76.5 mm vs 97.5 mm long)
- Focuses 15 cm closer (0.75 m vs 0.9 m)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- More aperture blades (11 vs 9)
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 77 mm)
- Newer design (2025 vs 2020)
Why is the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF better than the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM?
- 52 g lighter (584 g vs 636 g)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM | Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Telephoto prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 636 g (22.43 oz) | 584 g (1.29 lbs) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 99.3 x 76.5 mm | 88 mm (diameter) x 97.5 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.75 m (29.53 inches) ◆ | 0.90 m (2.95 ft) |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.11x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture ring | Yes | No |
| Aperture blades | 11 ◆ | 9 (rounded) |
| Optical construction | 14 elements / 10 groups | 11 elements in 8 groups (4 high refractive index, 1 extra-low dispersion element) |
| Filter size | 67 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Released | 2025 | 2020 |
| Price | $1,649 launch price | — |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Samyang
- 76.5 × 99.3 mm
- 97.5 × 88 mm
The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF is 21 mm longer and 52 g lighter than the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM.
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Sample frames
Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM
Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF?
- The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF weighs 584 g, 52 g less than the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM (636 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF?
- The Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM focuses down to 0.75 m, against 0.9 m for the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF.
- Do the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM and the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Canon RF 85 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 RF has the edge: it is 52 g lighter to carry.