Canon · RF

RF 14–35mm F4 L IS USM

Released September 2021

A full-frame constant-f/4 ultra-wide zoom for EOS R cameras, with Nano USM autofocus, optical stabilisation and a 77 mm filter thread.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
14–35 mm
Max aperture
f/4
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
540 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise its compact build, fast autofocus and sharp images, while noting substantial distortion correction at 14 mm. Cameralabs finds the 15–35mm F2.8 sharper in matched-aperture corners on an EOS R5. OpticalLimits finds corrected corners remain good to very good on its 45 MP test body, with a small sharpness drop at 35 mm f/4.

From cameralabs.com, cameralabs.com and opticallimits.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
14–35 mm
Maximum aperture
f/4
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
Sixteen elements in twelve groups
Special elements
Two UD elements, one UD aspherical element and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; Super Spectra, SWC and ASC coatings; fluorine coating on the front surface of the front element
Diaphragm
Nine blades with circular aperture

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatible

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.2 m
Maximum magnification
0.38×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Nano USM rear focusing system; full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.2 m throughout the zoom range
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.38× at 35 mm
Stabilisation detail
Optical IS rated 5.5 stops with EOS R at 35 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated seven stops with EOS R5 at 35 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
77 mm
Maximum diameter
84.1 mm
Length
99.8 mm
Weight
540 g
Controls
Zoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches; automatic panning detection
Zoom design
Barrel extends towards both ends of the zoom range; minimum length near 22 mm; camera-side electronic distortion correction contributes to the compact optical design
Weather resistance
Weather-resistant seals at the mount, switches, zoom ring, focus ring and control ring
Dimensions detail
Approximately 84.1 mm maximum diameter × 99.8 mm minimum length near 22 mm; maximum length 107.9 mm at 35 mm (Canon USA specifications)
Weight detail
Approximately 540 g lens
Lens hood
EW-83P petal hood included
In the box
Lens, E-77 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-83P hood, LP1219 soft case and user manual
Release detail
September 2021 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Constant f/4 maximum aperture
  • 14 mm wide-angle coverage
  • Dust and moisture resistant construction

Cons

  • Relies on electronic distortion correction
  • RF extenders not compatible
  • Barrel extends at either end of the zoom range

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF15–30 mmf/4.5–6.3Yes390 gAug 2022
Canon RF15–35 mmf/2.8Yes840 gSept 2019
Canon RF16–28 mmf/2.8Yes445 gFeb 2025

Sources

  1. downloads.canon.com/nw/lens/rf14-35mm-f4-l-is-usm/RF14_35mm_F4L_USM_specificati…
  2. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-14-35mm-f4l-is-usm-lens/4857C005
  3. personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf14-35-f4l/spec
  4. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf509.html
  5. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-14-35mm-f4l-is-usm-review
  6. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-14-35mm-f4l-is-usm-review/3
  7. opticallimits.com/canon/canon-rf/canon-rf-14-35mm-f-4-l-usm-is-review

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF14-35mm f4L IS USM.tif; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

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