Canon RF 35mm F/1.4 L VCM

Specifications01

MountCANON RF

Focal length35mm

Max aperturef/1.4

TypeCinema · Wide · Prime

Weight555 g

Filter size67 mm

Physical length99.3 mm

Min focus distance0.28 m

Max magnification0.1802

Aperture blades11

Optical elements14

Groups11

Lens hoodbarrel-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied)

Sensor coverage43.3 mm

Additional Info02

SpecialL VCM

Category["Canon RF"]

Keywords["Canon","Prime","Wide"]

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating8

Other FeaturesFocus Breathing Control, Aperture ring, aperture ring, aperture lock, floating system, function button, rear filter holder

Review VerdictThe performance of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is a bit difficult to summarize into a single figure. If image sharpness is what you value the most, this is certainly a lens for you. It's sharp at f/1.4 already and downright superb from f/2 to f/8. It's also resistant to flare, and auto-correction does a good job of correcting vignetting and distortion. The lens does, however, rely heavily on a correction profile to achieve this, which is a bit disappointing for a $1500 USD lens. The correction profile doesn't help with the high axial CAs, and the focus shift is a bit of a concern in manual focus mode, at least. The quality of bokeh is good for such a lens. In terms of build quality, it lives up to its L-designation. Like most other L-class lenses, the outer shell is made of high-quality engineered plastics. The control rings operate smoothly, and there's, of course, some weather sealing. Canon creates a lot of buzz around the new VCM (Voice Coil Motor), and yes, it's super fast and noiseless but that's a baseline expectation for a lens in this price class. However, the VCM does come with a bit of a rattle when you shake the lens (if you are into this). This isn't unusual for this type of AF motor, though. Important for videographers is the very low-focus breathing. As always with Canon, if you want an ultra-fast 35mm R-mount lens, this is what you've got. There are no alternatives from third-party manufacturers. If you can afford Canon L glass, this doesn't really matter and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is certainly a desirable lens with just a few caveats.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":9,"Optical Quality":8,"Price / Performance":7}

Review Published2024-08-03T06:06:29+00:00

Optical Construction14 elements in 11 groups (2x UD, 2x GMo aspherical)

Summary02

Canon RF 35mm F/1.4 L VCM is a fast standard prime lens for Canon RF-mount cameras, intended for general photography and low-light use. It has a maximum aperture of f/1.4.

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Specifications from opticallimits

Where can this lens be adapted?

The Canon RF mount has a flange distance of 20 mm. A plain adapter fits a camera whose flange distance is at least 1.46 mm shorter. How lens adapters work

Native lenses set the aperture, and often the focus, electronically. On a plain adapter they do not work. Use an electronic adapter made for this pair; for many pairs nobody makes one. Fully manual lenses are the exception.
RF-S lenses cover APS-C only.

Sony EAdapter · 2 mm
The camera mount (46.1 mm) is narrower than the lens mount (54 mm). A large rear element can darken the corners.
Canon RFNative
Nikon ZAdapter · 4 mm
Fujifilm XAdapter · 2.3 mm
Canon EF-MAdapter · 2 mm

No plain adapter reaches infinity focus on: L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Fujifilm G (GFX), Canon EF, Nikon F.