Canon · RF

RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM

Released July 2024

A full-frame f/1.4 wide-angle prime for EOS R cameras, combining VCM and Nano USM autofocus with a smooth iris ring, rear filter holder and dust and moisture resistant construction.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
35 mm
Max aperture
f/1.4
Stabilisation
No
Weight
555 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise sharpness and fast, quiet autofocus, while finding strong distortion and vignetting that need software correction. OpticalLimits finds good flare resistance and smooth background blur, whereas Dustin Abbott reports ghosting, veiling and nervous backgrounds on an EOS R5. Both identify colour fringing; Abbott also criticises the iris ring's still-photo restrictions on his camera.

From opticallimits.com and dustinabbott.net

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
35 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.4
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
Fourteen elements in eleven groups
Special elements
Two UD and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coating
Diaphragm
Eleven 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. Canon's specification footnote says the iris ring cannot control still-photo aperture on EOS R cameras released before May 2024, and warns that iris-ring operation during movie autofocus can occasionally cause inconsistent focus and aperture on those cameras

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.28 m
Maximum magnification
0.18×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Electronic floating focus control combines VCM and Nano USM motors
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.28 m
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.18×
Stabilisation detail
No optical stabiliser; in-body stabilisation depends on the camera

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
67 mm
Maximum diameter
76.5 mm
Length
99.3 mm
Weight
555 g
Controls
Electronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switch
Weather resistance
Dust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber seal
Dimensions detail
Approximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length
Weight detail
Approximately 555 g lens
Lens hood
EW-73F hood included
In the box
Lens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73F hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder and user manual
Release detail
July 2024 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.4 maximum aperture
  • Separate iris ring and customisable lens function button
  • Dust and moisture resistant construction

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • Iris-ring still-photo control restricted on older cameras
  • RF extenders not compatible

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF50 mmf/1.4No580 gDec 2024
Canon RF45 mmf/1.2No346 gNov 2025
Canon RF24 mmf/1.4No515 gDec 2024

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-35mm-f1-4l-vcm/specifications
  2. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-35mm-f1-4l-vcm-lens/6710C005
  3. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf540.html
  4. opticallimits.com/canon/canon-rf/canon-rf-35mm-f-1-4-l-vcm-review
  5. dustinabbott.net/2024/10/canon-rf-35mm-f1-4l-vcm-review

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF35mm f1.4L VCM Front Slant.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

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