When it comes to wedding photography, the right lens can make all the difference. But let’s be honest—gear can get expensive. So when Canon introduced the RF 85mm f/2.0—a lens with portrait, macro, and image stabilization capabilities for just $500—I knew I had to put it to the test.
Could this affordable lens hold its own against two high-end L-series lenses worth over $3,500 combined? Or is it just a solid option for hobbyists and casual shooters? In this review, I’ll break down my findings and help you decide if this lens belongs in your wedding photography kit.
Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 vs. High-End L-Series Lenses
I compared the Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 to two of Canon’s most beloved professional lenses:
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L – My all-time favorite lens, known for its dreamy background separation and tack-sharp results.
- Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro L – A go-to for macro shots, ring details, and sharp close-ups.
The question: Can the RF 85mm f/2.0 do the job of BOTH of these expensive lenses?
3 Key Tests: Portraits, Macro, and Low Light
To see if this lens could hold up in a professional setting, I ran it through three critical tests that every wedding photographer thinks about!
1. Portrait Quality
Wedding photographers need a lens that can create dreamy, soft backgrounds while keeping the subject crisp and well-defined. The 85mm focal length is a staple for portraits, but does the RF 85mm f/2.0 deliver?
What I Found: While the f/2.0 aperture doesn’t produce quite as much background blur as the f/1.2, it still creates a beautiful, professional-level separation. The sharpness was surprisingly good, and I was impressed with how well it captured details, even compared to my beloved 85mm f/1.2 L.
2. Macro Capabilities
Macro shots are essential for capturing wedding details—rings, jewelry, and heirloom pieces. Since the RF 85mm f/2.0 includes macro functionality, I put it to the test.
What I Found: This lens offers decent macro capabilities, but it doesn’t let you get as close as a true macro lens like the RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro L. If you’re shooting a lot of close-up details, you may find yourself wanting more flexibility.
3. Low Light Performance
Wedding photographers often shoot in dimly lit receptions or evening ceremonies, so a lens that can handle low light is a must. The RF 85mm f/2.0 includes image stabilization, which helps when shooting at slower shutter speeds.
What I Found: The image stabilization helped a lot, especially when shooting in lower light settings. While it can’t fully replace an f/1.2 lens in extreme low-light conditions, it held up well in real-world use.
Final Verdict: Is the Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 Worth It?
If you’re a wedding photographer on a budget, the Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 is an incredible value. You’re getting a versatile portrait lens with macro capabilities and image stabilization for a fraction of the price of high-end alternatives. While it doesn’t completely replace the RF 85mm f/1.2 L or RF 100mm Macro L, it’s a fantastic starter lens that can handle a wedding day surprisingly well.
✅ Great for: Photographers looking for an affordable, high-quality portrait lens with bonus macro capabilities. ❌ Not ideal for: Those who need extreme background blur, super close macro shots, or the absolute best low-light performance.
For just $500, the Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 is one of the best budget-friendly lenses for wedding photographers who want professional-looking images without breaking the bank.
Watch the Full Video Review
Want to see side-by-side image comparisons? Watch the full video below:
Also, if you like what you see, you can literally watch me photograph 100’s of wedding and portrait sessions by joining our KJ All Access membership for only $29/month!! Want a look at more? Try it HERE!
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Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
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