Canon · RF

RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM

Released November 2018

A full-frame RF wide-angle prime with f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilisation and half life-size close-up focusing.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
35 mm
Max aperture
f/1.8
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
305 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews value the compact size, sharp centre, useful close focusing and stabilisation. Corners improve when stopped down. Cameralabs finds confident focusing and recommends it as a versatile everyday prime. OpticalLimits reports occasional autofocus hesitation and accuracy issues on EOS R, plus substantial uncorrected vignetting. Both note audible stills autofocus; Cameralabs finds movie focusing much quieter.

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

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
35 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Macro lens
Yes
Optical construction
11 elements in nine groups
Special elements
One aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum optical diagram; Super Spectra coating
Diaphragm
Nine blades, circular aperture

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon RF mount, full-frame image circle

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.17 m
Maximum magnification
0.5×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
STM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detail
Minimum focusing distance 0.17 m
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.5× reproduction, equivalent to half life-size
Stabilisation detail
Hybrid optical IS corrects angular and shift shake; rated five stops on EOS R under CIPA. Combination IS for movies combines lens optical stabilisation with camera electronic IS

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
No
Filter diameter
52 mm
Maximum diameter
74.4 mm
Length
62.8 mm
Weight
305 g
Controls
Separate customisable control ring and focus ring, AF/MF and IS switches
Weather resistance
OpticalLimits reports no weather sealing
Dimensions detail
Approximately 74.4 mm maximum diameter × 62.8 mm length
Weight detail
Approximately 305 g lens
Lens hood
Sold separately
In the box
Lens, E-52 II front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detail
November 2018 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.8 maximum aperture
  • 0.5× maximum magnification
  • Optical image stabilisation

Cons

  • No weather seals
  • Lens hood sold separately

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF35 mmf/1.4No555 gJul 2024
Canon RF50 mmf/1.8No160 gDec 2020
Canon RF24 mmf/1.8Yes270 gAug 2022

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-35mm-f1-8-is-macro-stm-lens/2973C005
  2. personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf35-f18/spec
  3. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf473.html
  4. opticallimits.com/canon/canon-rf-35mm-f-1-8-stm-is-macro-review
  5. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-35mm-f1-8-is-macro-stm-review
  6. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-35mm-f1-8-is-macro-stm-review/3

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF35mm f1.8 MACRO IS STM.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

  • Front view with rear dust cap attached: Canon
  • Slanted front view with rear dust cap attached: Canon

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