Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM has more in its favour on paper. The RF 50mm f/1.2L USM gathers more light for low light and background blur; the RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is lighter and cheaper.
Choose the RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM for
- less weight (580g vs 950g)
- a lower price (about £1,110 vs £1,500)
Choose the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.2, about 0.4 stops more light)
| RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM | RF 50mm f/1.2L USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Weight | 580 g | 950 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Filter size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £1,449 | £2,299 |
| Used at MPB (Canon RF / RF-S) | £1,099–£1,129 | £1,439–£1,559 |
More lens comparisons
See all Canon RF / RF-S cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM better than the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM?
The RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM offers less weight (580g vs 950g), a lower price (about £1,110 vs £1,500); the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.2, about 0.4 stops more light).
Which is better value, the RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM or the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM?
On Canon RF / RF-S, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM costs about £1,110 against about £1,500 for the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.2 worth it over f/1.4?
f/1.2 gathers about 0.4 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon RF / RF-S.