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Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM
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UNSCORED
Canon · 35 mm · f/1.4 · Canon RF mount

Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM

KEY FACTS
BrandCanon
Announcement dateJun 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
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

Brand
Canon
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Jun 2024
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
ⓘ
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The 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.

Optics

Minimum Aperture
f/16
Lens Elements
13 elements in 10 groups
Optical Design
2 UD elements, 2 aspheric lenses
Min focal length
35 mm
Max focal length
35 mm
Focal range
ⓘ
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
35 mm
Zoom lens
ⓘ
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
No
Max aperture wide
1.4
Max aperture zoom
1.4
Blades
ⓘ
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
11020
Autofocus mode
Yes
Closest focusing distance
ⓘ
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
28 cm01500

Autofocus

Focus System
Nano USM (floating) + Voice Coil Motor (VCM) rear
Full Time Focus Override
Yes

Build

Dimensions
77mm diameter × 99mm length
Construction
Engineered plastic barrel with metal mount

Focus video

Maximum Magnification
0.18x
Focus Breathing
Minimal
Aperture Ring
Permanently declicked, stepless for video

Coatings

Air Sphere Coating (ASC)
Reduces ghosting and flare
Fluorine Coating
Front and rear elements

Physical

Lens weight
555 g
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

Features

Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes