Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens
Seamless multimedia artistry in one design The 35mm focal length offers a naturally wide perspective. A separate Iris Ring brings smooth manual iris control when filming, while an 11-blade aperture gives outstanding depth-of-field options, with minimal focus breathing for incredible image quality. A brilliant creative performance, even in low light Keep shooting when light levels drop thanks to an f/1.4 aperture for a bright image. The 35mm f/1.4 prime lens design puts the focus on your subject, with the option for front and rear filters for extra creative artistry. Crystal-clear imaging with rapid precision Enjoy superb image quality thanks to aspheric and UD lens elements with Super Spectra and ASC coatings. A fast Nano USM combined with even faster Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology delivers fast and precise focusing, making it the ideal lens for photography and video. Superb reliability with intuitive handling Keep on working in challenging conditions thanks to an L-series design housing high-quality glass elements. A fluorine coating prevents dirt sticking to the front element while a dedicated lens Control Ring and customisable lens Function button bring you personalised control for hybrid shooting. Thoughtful, lightweight design Be more agile when you’re shooting thanks to better balance and lightweight handling. The RF 35mm F1.4L VCM is lighter than its EF predecessor and being a hybrid, it’s well-suited for fitting into smaller video rigs.
Seamless multimedia artistry in one design The 35mm focal length offers a naturally wide perspective. A separate Iris Ring brings smooth manual iris control when filming, while an 11-blade aperture gives outstanding depth-of-field options, with minimal focus breathing for incredible image quality. A brilliant creative performance, even in low light Keep shooting when light levels drop thanks to an f/1.4 aperture for a bright image. The 35mm f/1.4 prime lens design puts the focus on your subject, with the option for front and rear filters for extra creative artistry. Crystal-clear imaging with rapid precision Enjoy superb image quality thanks to aspheric and UD lens elements with Super Spectra and ASC coatings. A fast Nano USM combined with even faster Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology delivers fast and precise focusing, making it the ideal lens for photography and video. Superb reliability with intuitive handling Keep on working in challenging conditions thanks to an L-series design housing high-quality glass elements. A fluorine coating prevents dirt sticking to the front element while a dedicated lens Control Ring and customisable lens Function button bring you personalised control for hybrid shooting. Thoughtful, lightweight design Be more agile when you’re shooting thanks to better balance and lightweight handling. The RF 35mm F1.4L VCM is lighter than its EF predecessor and being a hybrid, it’s well-suited for fitting into smaller video rigs.
Seamless multimedia artistry in one design The 35mm focal length offers a naturally wide perspective. A separate Iris Ring brings smooth manual iris control when filming, while an 11-blade aperture gives outstanding depth-of-field options, with minimal focus breathing for incredible image quality. A brilliant creative performance, even in low light Keep shooting when light levels drop thanks to an f/1.4 aperture for a bright image. The 35mm f/1.4 prime lens design puts the focus on your subject, with the option for front and rear filters for extra creative artistry. Crystal-clear imaging with rapid precision Enjoy superb image quality thanks to aspheric and UD lens elements with Super Spectra and ASC coatings. A fast Nano USM combined with even faster Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology delivers fast and precise focusing, making it the ideal lens for photography and video. Superb reliability with intuitive handling Keep on working in challenging conditions thanks to an L-series design housing high-quality glass elements. A fluorine coating prevents dirt sticking to the front element while a dedicated lens Control Ring and customisable lens Function button bring you personalised control for hybrid shooting. Thoughtful, lightweight design Be more agile when you’re shooting thanks to better balance and lightweight handling. The RF 35mm F1.4L VCM is lighter than its EF predecessor and being a hybrid, it’s well-suited for fitting into smaller video rigs.
Seamless multimedia artistry in one design The 35mm focal length offers a naturally wide perspective. A separate Iris Ring brings smooth manual iris control when filming, while an 11-blade aperture gives outstanding depth-of-field options, with minimal focus breathing for incredible image quality. A brilliant creative performance, even in low light Keep shooting when light levels drop thanks to an f/1.4 aperture for a bright image. The 35mm f/1.4 prime lens design puts the focus on your subject, with the option for front and rear filters for extra creative artistry. Crystal-clear imaging with rapid precision Enjoy superb image quality thanks to aspheric and UD lens elements with Super Spectra and ASC coatings. A fast Nano USM combined with even faster Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology delivers fast and precise focusing, making it the ideal lens for photography and video. Superb reliability with intuitive handling Keep on working in challenging conditions thanks to an L-series design housing high-quality glass elements. A fluorine coating prevents dirt sticking to the front element while a dedicated lens Control Ring and customisable lens Function button bring you personalised control for hybrid shooting. Thoughtful, lightweight design Be more agile when you’re shooting thanks to better balance and lightweight handling. The RF 35mm F1.4L VCM is lighter than its EF predecessor and being a hybrid, it’s well-suited for fitting into smaller video rigs.
in 32 offers
The lowest price for Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens right now is $1,859.00 at E-Infinity Online Camera Store, compared across 25 retailers.
The all-time low was $1,449.82 on 7 May 2026 — today's price is 28% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 10 June 2026.
Last updated at 10/06/2026 11:46:50
Canon RF35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens
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Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens
Free delivery between 16–23 June
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens with 5 Year Warranty Full Frame
Delivery $17.50
Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM
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Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM Lens by Onestop Digital
Free delivery between 16–22 June
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens (Canon RF) - Brand New
Free delivery between 15–19 June
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens
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Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM Black
Delivery between 16–19 June $36.88
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM Lens
Delivery between 15–18 June $12.90
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM Lens | Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm | RF-Mount | High Image Quality
Delivery between 17–19 June $8.95
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
The speed of the autofocus on this new lens is simply cheetah-like in comparison to the EF 35mm f/1.4 L II version, which until now was one of my favorite and most frequently used lenses. That lens now seems like the inevitable victim of prey which is about to meet its demise because of its sluggishness upon comparison.It's also slightly sharper than the EF 35mm f/1.4 L II, significantly lighter in weight, and of course much more convenient as there is no longer a need for an adapter. To my pleasant surprise, the design and material texture of this new lens is also more striking than I expected. Overall, it gives the tangible feel of a significant upgrade that justifies the cost.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
After extensive use with the RF 35mm 1.8, I fell in love with the 35mm focal length, but always found myself wanting a faster lens so I could lower my ISO for cleaner pics and/or up the shutter speed to have less blurrier pics of a fast-moving toddler in low light. Going from 1.8 to 1.4 might be only 2/3 stops, but it can be a difference maker for lesser ISO/ faster shutter speed. I was fortunate enough to be able to rent the EF 35mm 1.4L II and the newer RF 35mm 1.4L (weeks after initial release). The EF 35mm 1.4L II produced sharp and dreamy photos coupled with a fast and silent autofocus which made me badly want to buy one. I then tried the RF 35mm 1.4L, which produced sharper images compared to the EF, but not as dreamy, but still great. The autofocus was ... MoreAfter extensive use with the RF 35mm 1.8, I fell in love with the 35mm focal length, but always found myself wanting a faster lens so I could lower my ISO for cleaner pics and/or up the shutter speed to have less blurrier pics of a fast-moving toddler in low light. Going from 1.8 to 1.4 might be only 2/3 stops, but it can be a difference maker for lesser ISO/ faster shutter speed. I was fortunate enough to be able to rent the EF 35mm 1.4L II and the newer RF 35mm 1.4L (weeks after initial release). The EF 35mm 1.4L II produced sharp and dreamy photos coupled with a fast and silent autofocus which made me badly want to buy one. I then tried the RF 35mm 1.4L, which produced sharper images compared to the EF, but not as dreamy, but still great. The autofocus was noticeably faster with locking onto subjects with the RF and the weight difference was highly welcomed compared to EF, plus without the adapter to use the EF on my R6 MKII, it takes up lesser space in my camera bag.What ultimately made me purchase the RF instead of the EF? While I was hesitant to purchase the RF due to all the bad reviews on vignetting, distortion, and chromatic aberration that it produced, I found that those didn’t affect my pics as much. While I do have all the camera corrections on which basically wiped the majority of the issues away, I tend to lean towards some vignetting in my pics in the first place, which I find pleasing. Any distortion that is present in the pics, I do not notice, for the backgrounds are blown out in the pics to where you can’t really tell or the “true focus” of the pics is the actual subject (i.e. my toddler) so anything in the background is not noticed as much, but used as a backdrop to “tell the story”. And if any edits need to be made, they are minor to me.Sharpness, autofocus, weight, price, and native lens are the factors that ultimately lead me to purchase the RF over the EF. While I loved the dreaminess of the EF pics, I lean more towards sharper pics. Faster focus of the RF compared to the EF helped with tracking my fast-moving toddler better. Despite the RF lens not feeling as robustly built as the EF, the weight savings is a major plus, and I’m used to the “plastic” feel of the RF lens by now. While I could get an excellent conditioned used EF lens cheaper than the new RF, having to use an adapter adds extra length and weight, which is not welcomed – any space and weight savings is welcomed (EF lens bought new is more expensive too!).The only gripe I really have with the RF is the purposely loose VCM. Yes, the floating element can be loud if shaken aggressively and you can feel it moving around when the camera is off or the lens is de-attached from the camera. It’s not distracting to me that much, for I try to baby my camera gear as much as I can, but I highly question the longevity of the floating element and why Canon went in this direction with it. Only time will tell whether or not this was a smart or dumb choice on Canon’s part to design it that way.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
It is sharp wide open at 1.4. And focus is fast as well. And yes it sounds broken being carried around with poweroff. Distortion is real and very strong and something you will need to accept.There are discussions about heavy profile corrections.But I believe this lens deserves some love. Not a single lens is perfect, and every one has its characteristics. Take some pictures to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how to get the best out of it.Im not a professional or artist. I don’t need to correct tiny details or flaws on every pictures, i appreciate this lens can capture the moment, because its fast and works in low light. It can be used outdoor kids running around. Or indoor tight space with some light. Even in aquarium works too.So this is one of the all ... MoreIt is sharp wide open at 1.4. And focus is fast as well. And yes it sounds broken being carried around with poweroff. Distortion is real and very strong and something you will need to accept.There are discussions about heavy profile corrections.But I believe this lens deserves some love. Not a single lens is perfect, and every one has its characteristics. Take some pictures to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how to get the best out of it.Im not a professional or artist. I don’t need to correct tiny details or flaws on every pictures, i appreciate this lens can capture the moment, because its fast and works in low light. It can be used outdoor kids running around. Or indoor tight space with some light. Even in aquarium works too.So this is one of the all rounders. And a very good one.
| Angle of View (Horizontal, vertical, diagonal) | 54, 38, 63 |
| Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) | 14/11 |
| Special Optics | 2× UD, 2× GMo Aspherical |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 11 |
| Minimum Aperture | 16 |
Canon RF35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens
Free delivery between 16–23 June
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens with 5 Year Warranty Full Frame
Delivery $17.50
Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM
Free delivery
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM Lens by Onestop Digital
Free delivery between 16–22 June
The speed of the autofocus on this new lens is simply cheetah-like in comparison to the EF 35mm f/1.4 L II version, which until now was one of my favorite and most frequently used lenses. That lens now seems like the inevitable victim of prey which is about to meet its demise because of its sluggishness upon comparison.It's also slightly sharper than the EF 35mm f/1.4 L II, significantly lighter in weight, and of course much more convenient as there is no longer a need for an adapter. To my pleasant surprise, the design and material texture of this new lens is also more striking than I expected. Overall, it gives the tangible feel of a significant upgrade that justifies the cost.
After extensive use with the RF 35mm 1.8, I fell in love with the 35mm focal length, but always found myself wanting a faster lens so I could lower my ISO for cleaner pics and/or up the shutter speed to have less blurrier pics of a fast-moving toddler in low light. Going from 1.8 to 1.4 might be only 2/3 stops, but it can be a difference maker for lesser ISO/ faster shutter speed. I was fortunate enough to be able to rent the EF 35mm 1.4L II and the newer RF 35mm 1.4L (weeks after initial release). The EF 35mm 1.4L II produced sharp and dreamy photos coupled with a fast and silent autofocus which made me badly want to buy one. I then tried the RF 35mm 1.4L, which produced sharper images compared to the EF, but not as dreamy, but still great. The autofocus was ... MoreAfter extensive use with the RF 35mm 1.8, I fell in love with the 35mm focal length, but always found myself wanting a faster lens so I could lower my ISO for cleaner pics and/or up the shutter speed to have less blurrier pics of a fast-moving toddler in low light. Going from 1.8 to 1.4 might be only 2/3 stops, but it can be a difference maker for lesser ISO/ faster shutter speed. I was fortunate enough to be able to rent the EF 35mm 1.4L II and the newer RF 35mm 1.4L (weeks after initial release). The EF 35mm 1.4L II produced sharp and dreamy photos coupled with a fast and silent autofocus which made me badly want to buy one. I then tried the RF 35mm 1.4L, which produced sharper images compared to the EF, but not as dreamy, but still great. The autofocus was noticeably faster with locking onto subjects with the RF and the weight difference was highly welcomed compared to EF, plus without the adapter to use the EF on my R6 MKII, it takes up lesser space in my camera bag.What ultimately made me purchase the RF instead of the EF? While I was hesitant to purchase the RF due to all the bad reviews on vignetting, distortion, and chromatic aberration that it produced, I found that those didn’t affect my pics as much. While I do have all the camera corrections on which basically wiped the majority of the issues away, I tend to lean towards some vignetting in my pics in the first place, which I find pleasing. Any distortion that is present in the pics, I do not notice, for the backgrounds are blown out in the pics to where you can’t really tell or the “true focus” of the pics is the actual subject (i.e. my toddler) so anything in the background is not noticed as much, but used as a backdrop to “tell the story”. And if any edits need to be made, they are minor to me.Sharpness, autofocus, weight, price, and native lens are the factors that ultimately lead me to purchase the RF over the EF. While I loved the dreaminess of the EF pics, I lean more towards sharper pics. Faster focus of the RF compared to the EF helped with tracking my fast-moving toddler better. Despite the RF lens not feeling as robustly built as the EF, the weight savings is a major plus, and I’m used to the “plastic” feel of the RF lens by now. While I could get an excellent conditioned used EF lens cheaper than the new RF, having to use an adapter adds extra length and weight, which is not welcomed – any space and weight savings is welcomed (EF lens bought new is more expensive too!).The only gripe I really have with the RF is the purposely loose VCM. Yes, the floating element can be loud if shaken aggressively and you can feel it moving around when the camera is off or the lens is de-attached from the camera. It’s not distracting to me that much, for I try to baby my camera gear as much as I can, but I highly question the longevity of the floating element and why Canon went in this direction with it. Only time will tell whether or not this was a smart or dumb choice on Canon’s part to design it that way.
It is sharp wide open at 1.4. And focus is fast as well. And yes it sounds broken being carried around with poweroff. Distortion is real and very strong and something you will need to accept.There are discussions about heavy profile corrections.But I believe this lens deserves some love. Not a single lens is perfect, and every one has its characteristics. Take some pictures to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how to get the best out of it.Im not a professional or artist. I don’t need to correct tiny details or flaws on every pictures, i appreciate this lens can capture the moment, because its fast and works in low light. It can be used outdoor kids running around. Or indoor tight space with some light. Even in aquarium works too.So this is one of the all ... MoreIt is sharp wide open at 1.4. And focus is fast as well. And yes it sounds broken being carried around with poweroff. Distortion is real and very strong and something you will need to accept.There are discussions about heavy profile corrections.But I believe this lens deserves some love. Not a single lens is perfect, and every one has its characteristics. Take some pictures to learn its strengths and weaknesses and how to get the best out of it.Im not a professional or artist. I don’t need to correct tiny details or flaws on every pictures, i appreciate this lens can capture the moment, because its fast and works in low light. It can be used outdoor kids running around. Or indoor tight space with some light. Even in aquarium works too.So this is one of the all rounders. And a very good one.
The Good:Size and weight, balance with camera (R5) - I already own RF35mm f/1.8 as it was the only Canon RF 35mm available at the time of R series release, and this L version is not a drastic increase in size and weight. Its longer barrel in comparison to non-L makes it easier to operate camera and lens.Programmable button on lens - convenient and useful location. I've programmed it for depth of field preview and it is much easier to operate than from the camera.Image Quality - subjectively, big improvement over RF35 f/1.8, especially corner sharpness, contrast, (lack of) purple fringing, color rendition, and bokeh quality (both front and rear).However,The (Huge) Bad:Image Quality - without profile correction barrel distortion is horrendous. I can tolerate ... MoreThe Good:Size and weight, balance with camera (R5) - I already own RF35mm f/1.8 as it was the only Canon RF 35mm available at the time of R series release, and this L version is not a drastic increase in size and weight. Its longer barrel in comparison to non-L makes it easier to operate camera and lens.Programmable button on lens - convenient and useful location. I've programmed it for depth of field preview and it is much easier to operate than from the camera.Image Quality - subjectively, big improvement over RF35 f/1.8, especially corner sharpness, contrast, (lack of) purple fringing, color rendition, and bokeh quality (both front and rear).However,The (Huge) Bad:Image Quality - without profile correction barrel distortion is horrendous. I can tolerate vignetting when wide open as it is a trait with fast wide lenses. You are already seeing profile corrected view when shooting and won't see it until profile correction is turned off after importing. Given EF35mm L II had negligible barrel distortion, it feels like a step in the wrong direction.35mm has been my favorite focal length to keep on my camera since 35mm film camera days. I've always owned a 35mm lens and I was thrilled that Canon has finally released an L version in its RF lineup, However it feels like Canon has made too many compromises when designing this lens in order to accommodate both still shooters and videographers, resulting in overly relying on profile correction to fix optical shortcomings.I've regretted letting go of EF 35mm LII at the time of R series debut and now I've come think whether I should reacquire in lieu of RF 35mm offerings.
Absolutely remarkable lens from Canon. As a full-time wedding photographer who primarily shoots with primes (35mm, 50mm, 85mm), I have eagerly awaited this lens since Canon introduced their Mirrorless body offerings.I absolutely adore the RF 50mm 1.2 and the 85mm 1.2. They are truly amazing lenses, and the RF 35mm 1.4 is an exceptional addition to the trio.The image quality of the new 35mm is outstanding in every way, from the sharpness at both the center and edges to the natural color rendition. However, what I appreciate most is the weight reduction of this lens. As I approach 40, carrying heavy lenses for a 10-hour wedding day has become quite a chore. While 2 pounds for a lens might not seem significant, it really is when you're holding that, along with an ... MoreAbsolutely remarkable lens from Canon. As a full-time wedding photographer who primarily shoots with primes (35mm, 50mm, 85mm), I have eagerly awaited this lens since Canon introduced their Mirrorless body offerings.I absolutely adore the RF 50mm 1.2 and the 85mm 1.2. They are truly amazing lenses, and the RF 35mm 1.4 is an exceptional addition to the trio.The image quality of the new 35mm is outstanding in every way, from the sharpness at both the center and edges to the natural color rendition. However, what I appreciate most is the weight reduction of this lens. As I approach 40, carrying heavy lenses for a 10-hour wedding day has become quite a chore. While 2 pounds for a lens might not seem significant, it really is when you're holding that, along with an R3 and a speedlite, to your face for 10 hours. I have always envied my friends with Sony lenses because they are lighter, but now with Canon's lighter offerings, I am thrilled. The iconic Canon colors and glass, is something I and many others have loved for years, but now with the additional weight savings that love grows stronger. These lighter lenses not only reduce fatigue throughout the day but also allow me to position my camera in ways that were previously impossible due to ligament and joint strain.And Canon, if you happen to read this, please, please, please release lighter L lenses in 50mm and 85mm. As a wedding professional, I would much rather take a light 1.4 over a heavy 1.2 any day. Keep up the great work!JT
Seriously, I get that everyone (myself included) has been spoiled with how optically perfect some of the RF lenses are (the 50L, 85L, 70-200 2.8, etc.) but I think this lens suffers from anticipation and delays in hitting the market more than anything. Everyone, probably rightly so, expected this to be what the 35L II was the EF line; the next level of lens making for the current mount. Well, it's almost that. Sure it has some distortion (easily correctable,) but it's as tack sharp as the 50 or the 85 (no small feat,) absurdly fast to focus, even across the frame and small and light. Would I like no distortion and something that makes me go WOW! with every use? Sure, but at a price that's far lower than the other L primes and in a package this small and reliable for ... MoreSeriously, I get that everyone (myself included) has been spoiled with how optically perfect some of the RF lenses are (the 50L, 85L, 70-200 2.8, etc.) but I think this lens suffers from anticipation and delays in hitting the market more than anything. Everyone, probably rightly so, expected this to be what the 35L II was the EF line; the next level of lens making for the current mount. Well, it's almost that. Sure it has some distortion (easily correctable,) but it's as tack sharp as the 50 or the 85 (no small feat,) absurdly fast to focus, even across the frame and small and light. Would I like no distortion and something that makes me go WOW! with every use? Sure, but at a price that's far lower than the other L primes and in a package this small and reliable for various distances and uses, this thing is a no-brainer. It's still the best 35 option for the system (I sold my 35L II after using this thing for a few hours,) and if Canon somehow comes up with an even better 35 option, I really don't think I'll be rushing to change from this one.
I had been waiting for this lens since I purchased my first R6. It is a solid choice but compared to the RF 35 f/1.8, the 1.8 is a much better value.This lens is sharp, but not much sharper than the 1.8. This lens has a more responsive autofocus, significantly better than the 1.8 but not sure that the speed difference matters for everyday shooting. The aperture ring might have been useful but it is currently restricted to video only, of course you can set one of the focus rings to change the aperture so I am not sure it matters.This lens also has a LOT of distortion and vignetting if you turn off the lens correction. I normally have it on and lightroom works fine with these raw files but Affinity photo did not play very nice.I have several L-series lenses (50, ... MoreI had been waiting for this lens since I purchased my first R6. It is a solid choice but compared to the RF 35 f/1.8, the 1.8 is a much better value.This lens is sharp, but not much sharper than the 1.8. This lens has a more responsive autofocus, significantly better than the 1.8 but not sure that the speed difference matters for everyday shooting. The aperture ring might have been useful but it is currently restricted to video only, of course you can set one of the focus rings to change the aperture so I am not sure it matters.This lens also has a LOT of distortion and vignetting if you turn off the lens correction. I normally have it on and lightroom works fine with these raw files but Affinity photo did not play very nice.I have several L-series lenses (50, 15-35, 24-70, 70-200, 24-105) and have always been really happy with the price premium. This is the first one that has disappointed me. Maybe my expectations were too high.
This lens got a lot of negative press based on the fact that it heavily relies on it's correction profile to take away heavy distortion and a strange vignette. It also somehow seems to be wider than a 35mm and within both the camera and editing software it zooms into the image a bit to create a 35mm frame. People also complain because it has a floating element in it (much like the 100 macro) and you can hear a little sound if you shake the lens. When the lens is on the camera and your camera is turned on it locks in place and you don't hear it. This is a non-issue in my opinion and lens reviewers really blew this part of it out of proportion. I don't mind using the camera profile to make this lens shine, and sometimes it's nice to have a little extra room around the ... MoreThis lens got a lot of negative press based on the fact that it heavily relies on it's correction profile to take away heavy distortion and a strange vignette. It also somehow seems to be wider than a 35mm and within both the camera and editing software it zooms into the image a bit to create a 35mm frame. People also complain because it has a floating element in it (much like the 100 macro) and you can hear a little sound if you shake the lens. When the lens is on the camera and your camera is turned on it locks in place and you don't hear it. This is a non-issue in my opinion and lens reviewers really blew this part of it out of proportion. I don't mind using the camera profile to make this lens shine, and sometimes it's nice to have a little extra room around the edges to shift a crop a few pixels to really dial in a composition. This is also the FASTEST lens as it has two motors in it and is whisper quiet. It's also so so light and compact, I am primarily a wedding photographer and use it on the dance floor and throughout the day depending on the needs of the day and I honestly have very little complaints aside from the feeling that you really need the profile correction which I think is an odd choice but not a dealbreaker!
Maybe I'm wrong here, but I've always considered L series prime glass to be optically superior lenses - sharp, with minimal distortion and vignetting. This is why I've stuck with Canon for such a long time...I have always considered them to have the best glass in the industry.That being said...there is a significant amount of lens profile correction that's applied to this lens and I'm not sure if this lens deserves the L classification. When comparing the uncorrected RAW image to the JPEG image it almost feels like I'm looking at images from a profile corrected kit lens (toggle between the images).I probably would have not noticed how imperfect the uncorrected files look had I update Adobe Camera Raw before I opened them. Now both Bridge and Camera Raw just show ... MoreMaybe I'm wrong here, but I've always considered L series prime glass to be optically superior lenses - sharp, with minimal distortion and vignetting. This is why I've stuck with Canon for such a long time...I have always considered them to have the best glass in the industry.That being said...there is a significant amount of lens profile correction that's applied to this lens and I'm not sure if this lens deserves the L classification. When comparing the uncorrected RAW image to the JPEG image it almost feels like I'm looking at images from a profile corrected kit lens (toggle between the images).I probably would have not noticed how imperfect the uncorrected files look had I update Adobe Camera Raw before I opened them. Now both Bridge and Camera Raw just show the corrected file, so if you don't uncheck the lens profile correction in Camera Raw you would never see the amount of correction applied to this lens.Now I can say the profile corrected image is very sharp from the center to the edges, but why is this considered L glass? Especially when their competitors are making better optical 35mm lens that are less expensive. In my opinion I wouldn't consider this an L lens and it should definitely cost a whole lot less....I'm returning this lens, but might buy it again only if it hits some seriously big discounts years down the road. This lens would awesome at half the cost.If this is any indication of how Canon is going to build their long awaited wide angle prime lenses moving forward then I'm very scared to be an R5 owner who has been waiting for L wide angle primes for a long time.BTW...if you shoot RAW video you will see the same vignetting and distortion.
The image quality is excellent. It's brilliantly sharp and contrasty but also with warmth and character, not clinical. The size is excellent, compact and easy to carry. The autofocus is so fast and accurate that it just ceases to exist as a concern at all.BUT...The dull rattle of the weighty VCM focusing motor, although Canon assures is totally normal and safe, still makes the lens feel lower quality and less fun. It also seems a bit unfair that you get a rattle without image stabilization. The clickless aperture ring can't be used for photos, at least on all the current cameras, and the lens seems to prioritize correcting focus breathing above all other optical corrections. The lens really shows its video bias, and it makes the price harder to swallow if your ... MoreThe image quality is excellent. It's brilliantly sharp and contrasty but also with warmth and character, not clinical. The size is excellent, compact and easy to carry. The autofocus is so fast and accurate that it just ceases to exist as a concern at all.BUT...The dull rattle of the weighty VCM focusing motor, although Canon assures is totally normal and safe, still makes the lens feel lower quality and less fun. It also seems a bit unfair that you get a rattle without image stabilization. The clickless aperture ring can't be used for photos, at least on all the current cameras, and the lens seems to prioritize correcting focus breathing above all other optical corrections. The lens really shows its video bias, and it makes the price harder to swallow if your main use case is photo rather than video.This is still a great lens, even for photos, but its full value is in using it for video as well. Maybe this means Canon still intends to release a much-rumored f/1.2 version in the future, and that will be uncompromisingly photo-centric. Only time will tell.
| Angle of View (Horizontal, vertical, diagonal) | 54, 38, 63 |
| Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) | 14/11 |
| Special Optics | 2× UD, 2× GMo Aspherical |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 11 |
| Minimum Aperture | 16 |
