Canon · RF

RF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS USM

Released September 2019

A full-frame constant-f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom for EOS R cameras, with Nano USM autofocus, optical stabilisation and an 82 mm filter thread.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
15–35 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
840 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise its sharp results, fast quiet autofocus and weather-resistant build. OpticalLimits finds strong stopped-down corners but heavy wide-angle vignetting. Stabilisation falls short of Canon's five-stop claim in both tests, with Cameralabs achieving about 2.5 stops and OpticalLimits estimating three to four. Cameralabs finds performance close to the EF 16–35mm F2.8 III and advises existing owners to keep it.

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

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
15–35 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
Sixteen elements in twelve groups
Special elements
Three glass-moulded aspherical elements and UD elements; SWC and ASC coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements
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 not compatible

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.28 m
Maximum magnification
0.21×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Nano USM motor; electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.28 m
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.21× at 35 mm
Stabilisation detail
Optical IS rated five stops with EOS R at 35 mm under CIPA standards

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
82 mm
Maximum diameter
88.5 mm
Length
126.8 mm
Weight
840 g
Controls
Zoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches
Zoom design
Barrel extends as the lens zooms from 35 mm towards 15 mm (Cameralabs)
Weather resistance
Dust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets entering
Dimensions detail
Approximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 126.8 mm length, retracted
Weight detail
Approximately 840 g lens
Lens hood
EW-88F petal hood included
In the box
Lens, E-82 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-88F hood and LP1222 case
Release detail
September 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • Optical image stabilisation
  • Dust and moisture resistant construction

Cons

  • 840 g lens weight
  • Barrel extends towards the wide end
  • RF extenders not compatible

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF14–35 mmf/4Yes540 gSept 2021
Canon RF16–28 mmf/2.8Yes445 gFeb 2025
Canon RF15–30 mmf/4.5–6.3Yes390 gAug 2022

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-15-35mm-f2-8l-is-usm-lens/specifications
  2. canon.co.uk/store/rf-15-35mm-f2.8l-is-usm/3682C005
  3. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf484.html
  4. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-15-35mm-f2-8l-is-usm-review
  5. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-15-35mm-f2-8l-is-usm-review/3
  6. opticallimits.com/canon/canon-rf/canon-rf-15-35mm-f-2-8-usm-l-is-review-30mp

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF15-35mm f2.8L IS USM.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

Spot a mistake? Tell us