Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM
Canon · 35 mm · f/1.4 · L · Image Stabilization
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
86
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Excellent sharpness across the frame from f/1.4 through f/8
+31% lighter than the EF 35mm F1.4L II at only 555g with compact size
+Dual-motor autofocus system (Nano USM + VCM) provides fast, quiet focus ideal for both stills and video
+Minimal focus breathing makes it excellent for cinema-quality video work
+Weather-sealed L-series construction for professional durability
+Smooth cinematic bokeh with 11 aperture blades
Worth Knowing
−Significant distortion and vignetting require lens correction profiles in post-processing
−Lower maximum magnification (0.18x) than predecessor EF version (0.21x)
−Aperture ring for stills only works on 2024+ camera bodies; limited functionality on older EOS R models
−VCM magnetic field emits low-level radiation; users with pacemakers should consult doctors
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe RF35mm F1.4 L VCM is an entirely new L-series lens targeting both still-image and video shooters with a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture and excellent optical design. The center performance is already excellent at f/1.4, and the near-center performance is also very impressive. The lens is 31% lighter than the EF 35mm F1.4L II, weighing only 555g compared to 760g. It's the first Canon lens featuring a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) combined with Nano-USM, where the high-thrust VCM actuates the heavy focusing lens group while Nano USM actuates the lightweight floating lens for extremely fast, reliable and quiet autofocus. | |
| Brand | Canon |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | L |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon RF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS R |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical100/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 555 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 76.5 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 99.3 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 67 mm |
Optics89/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 35 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.4 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 63° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 11020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 28 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.18x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features81/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |  Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
IS Efficiency ⓘIS efficiency refers to the effectiveness of the image stabilization system in compensating for the blurring effects of camera shake, quantified by the number of stops of stabilization it provides. | 7 stops |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 14 |
| Groups | 11 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 2 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |