Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM Previewed

By Updated:235 Comments

Canon has finally done it—the Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM will join the list of legendary 35mm lenses from Canon. What is very curious to me is that Canon Japan hasn't said anything about the releases yet. I guess they are still sleeping.

There's been quite a bit of chatter and some first looks, so as with prior releases, this is a live document I'll be updating periodically with more information. Check back to see what I've found. If you find something cool, let me know in the comments.

As you know by now, this is a lens you must preorder if you want it in your hands before the end of time. The 35mm is one of Canon's most popular lenses, and this will sell boatloads. So preorder now, and save the regrets. From what I've seen in the previews, this is a fantastic lens. I would expect nothing else from a Canon lens with a red ring.

Midwest Photo $1499
Adorama $1499 
B&H Photo $1499		Canon USA $1499
Wex Photo £1819
Foto Koch €1899

And now here are some of our favorite video reviews.

First, no preview is complete without Rudy from Canon USA.

This video was shot with the C400 and the Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM.

The behind-the-scenes (BTS) video for the above short video.

And now here are some of our favorite video reviews.

Go to discussion...

235 comments

  1. Not sure how I feel about the EL-10 using AA batteries. I have a ton of those for the MT, MR and EL-100, but I love how the godox v860IIC handles bursts.
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  6. The 35mm F1.4 sounds great:
    - two focusing motors (VCM & nano USM)
    - lower weight with 555 grams
    - 67mm screw on filters and rear gel filters
    - Aperture ring and control ring
    - starting price 1.499 $

    Great job Canon! Now please give us a 20mm, 24mm, 50mm and 85mm with exactly those kind of specs :)
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  12. I was all ready to order this lens but then realized it doesn't have IS.
    I suppose I just assumed that as a hybrid lens it would have IS...
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  13. Gordon has his review up already, apparently this lens outperformed the venerable EF 35 1.4L II in his tests, which is saying something.

    www.youtube.com

    Canon RF 35mm f1.4L: FIRST LOOKS vs EF 1.4L II vs RF 1.8 STM

    My initial Canon RF 35mm f1.4L VCM review vs EF 35mm f1.4L II vs RF 35mm f1.8 STMOrder the RF 35mm f1.4L from B&H: TBC or WEX UK: TBCSell your used gear to M...
    www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
    Yeah, it beats the hell out of it according to Gordon's tests. Still curious about what Christopher Frost will say.

    Cheaper, lighter, better for video, good weather sealing and build quality (supposedly) --- what's the catch?
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  14. I was all ready to order this lens but then realized it doesn't have IS.
    I suppose I just assumed that as a hybrid lens it would have IS...
    The weird thing is that even Rudy didn’t make a comment on how many stops you get with IBIS and the new 35, worrying…
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  15. How “L” level should we expect this to be, given that the old EF 35 sells for close to €2.300,-?

    In Gordon't test the new lens is MUCH sharper than the EF version II, especially in the corners. Also, significantly sharper than the RF 35 1.8.
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  18. From Gordon’s video, I could see it much sharper than my 35ii, some high contrast shots have no abberation, I am waiting for night test shots to see if there will be astigmatism , then I’ll make my decision.
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