Canon's RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens brings a new layer of versatility, promising exceptional sharpness, impressive low-light performance, and features tailored to both still and video work.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this detailed video explores the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM’s strengths and some quirks. Frost points out the high price, nine times that of Canon's 50mm f/1.8, yet highlights its potential, especially for video. Canon has added voice coil motor (VCM) technology and Nano USM, creating a dual-motor autofocus system that combines speed and silence. This lens focuses quickly and without distraction, a plus for anyone working with moving subjects. Frost notes Canon’s design for controlled focus breathing, enhancing usability for video, where breathing can distract. The result is a reliable, adaptable 50mm that seems to outperform most lenses in its class.
Moving to the build quality, Frost describes the lens as solid and slightly larger than the average 50mm. The weather-sealing around the mount gives confidence for use in varied environments, a must-have for some. The lens’ body also includes a smooth aperture ring with lockable options, a feature restricted to video mode for some EOS R cameras. This lockable aperture ring control is convenient for precise exposure adjustments in video. There’s also a wide, rubberized manual focus ring with responsive feedback, ideal for fine-tuning focus. For older Canon models, an aperture ring update may come in future firmware to allow better still-photo functionality.
RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM Specifications:
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4; Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.4 m (15.7 in)
- Maximum Magnification: 0.15x
- Angle of View (Diagonal): Approx. 46°
- Lens Construction: 14 elements in 11 groups
- Special Elements: One UD, two aspherical
- Lens Coatings: Canon ASC, SSC, fluorine coating
- Filter Size: 67 mm
- Aperture Blades: 11
- Focusing Drive System: Dual, with Nano USM and VCM
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF Coverage:
- EOS R: 88% x 100%
- EOS R5/R6/R7/R10/R50: 100% x 100% (with face and tracking priority)
- Control Ring: Dual-function, customizable
- Iris Ring: Smooth aperture control
- Dust/Weather Resistance: Yes
- Dimensions: 3.0 in diameter x 3.9 in length (76.5 mm x 99.3 mm)
- Weight: Approx. 20.5 oz (580 g)
Frost’s first impressions on image quality suggest a high-performing optic, even though he tested a beta version. Sample images were sharp across the frame, particularly in the center at f/1.4. The contrast held strong without purple fringing. Edges showed a hint of softness but nothing distracting. Sunstars and highlights around bright lights also looked sharp, while corner performance maintained good clarity, even at lower apertures. Frost calls out the lens’ lack of optical stabilization, which might limit handheld shots in some situations, but pairing with the EOS R5 and R6, which offer in-body stabilization, could compensate. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Frost.
