Canon’s RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM lens is an intriguing option for anyone invested in the RF system, especially those who shoot both photos and video. It brings some unique features, a high-quality build, and Canon’s latest autofocus technology. But with a price tag of $1,500, it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses before making a decision.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video takes a close look at the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM lens. Designed as a hybrid option for stills and video, the lens introduces an aperture ring that functions only in video mode unless you’re using the R1, R5 Mark II, or future Canon bodies. It also features a voice coil motor (VCM) for autofocus, which is nearly silent and extremely fast. The build quality is excellent, with full weather-sealing, a customizable button, and a broad manual focus ring. However, it lacks built-in image stabilization, which might be a drawback for handheld video shooters or those working in low light without a stabilized camera body.
Frost puts the lens through its paces on both full-frame and APS-C bodies, revealing some interesting performance characteristics. In the center, sharpness is exceptional at f/1.4, but corner sharpness on full frame is a bit softer than some competing lenses, such as Sony’s 35mm G Master. Vignetting is noticeable at f/1.4, and raw files show strong barrel distortion that must be corrected in post or in-camera. Despite these issues, contrast and color rendition are strong, and autofocus is excellent, making it a solid choice for general shooting and video work.
Key Specs
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Autofocus: Yes
- Image Stabilization: No
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 11.02" / 28 cm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.18x
- Optical Design: 14 elements in 11 groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 11, rounded
- Dimensions: 3 x 3.9" / 76.5 x 99.3 mm
- Weight: 1.2 lb / 555 g
The f/1.4 aperture allows for soft, pleasing backgrounds, though highlights in the corners take on a noticeable cat-eye shape. Chromatic aberration is present at f/1.4 but mostly disappears by f/2.8. Flare resistance is decent but not exceptional, and sunstars only become well-defined at smaller apertures. The included lens hood helps mitigate some flare but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.
The biggest drawbacks are the barrel distortion and the corner sharpness at wide apertures. While distortion is easily corrected, the reliance on software fixes rather than optical corrections is a growing trend among manufacturers. The softer corners might not be an issue for video shooters or portrait photographers, but for landscape and architecture work, it’s something to consider. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
