Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM specifications and in-depth review

Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM

Manufacturer: Canon

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM is a compact prime lens designed for Canon RF-mount cameras. It offers a wide 1.4f aperture, ideal for low-light performance and shallow depth of field. This lens features a weather-sealed build, ensuring reliability in various conditions. Additionally, it includes a reversible lens hood for added convenience and protection.

In terms of technical features, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM boasts a magnification of 0.17x and a maximum angle of view of 84°. Its minimum focus distance is 0.24m, and it is equipped with a silent focus motor for smooth, quiet operation. The lens also has 11 rounded aperture blades for smoother bokeh quality.

Pros
  • Weather-sealed construction makes it suitable for use in various weather conditions.
  • Includes a reversible lens hood for added protection and convenience.
  • The lens has a silent focus motor for quiet and smooth autofocus operation.
  • The lens offers full-time manual focus, allowing for more precise control over focus adjustments.
  • Rounded aperture blades contribute to smooth and pleasing bokeh.
Cons
  • Does not support optical image stabilization, requiring alternative stabilization methods.
  • Cannot focus to infinity, limiting its use for wide-angle or distant subjects.
  • Fixed focal length of 24mm may be limiting for some users who prefer zoom capabilities.
  • The minimum focus distance of 0.24m may not be ideal for extreme close-up shots.
Who is this for?

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM is ideal for photographers who prioritize low-light performance and shallow depth of field, thanks to its wide 1.4f aperture. Its weather-sealed build makes it suitable for outdoor or travel photography, where durability in various conditions is important. Additionally, the lens's silent focus motor and full-time manual focus feature make it a good choice for video creators or photographers who need precise, quiet focusing in dynamic environments.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens may not be the best choice for users who require optical image stabilization, as it lacks this feature, potentially making handheld shots more difficult, especially in low-light settings. Its fixed focal length of 24mm could be limiting for those who prefer the flexibility of a zoom lens. Additionally, the inability to focus to infinity may make it less suitable for wide-angle landscape or astrophotography enthusiasts.

General info:

lens type Prime
lens mount Canon RF
release date March 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
Has a metal mount
weight 515 g
Front element doesn't rotate
Includes lens hood
Lens hood is reversible
filter size 67 mm

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM is a prime lens designed for Canon RF-mount cameras, with a solid metal mount and weather-sealed construction for durability in various environments. Weighing 515g, it includes a reversible lens hood for added protection. The front element of the lens does not rotate during focus, making it compatible with certain filters. It has a 67mm filter diameter for those who wish to use filters with the lens.

Optics:

maximum focal length 24 mm
minimum focal length 24 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization
maximum angle of view 84°
minimum angle of view 62°
magnification 0.17x
optical zoom 1x

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM features a fixed focal length of 24mm, providing a wide angle of view with a maximum of 84° and a minimum of 62°. It offers a magnification of 0.17x and an optical zoom ratio of 1x, making it ideal for wide-angle shots. However, this lens does not include built-in optical image stabilization, so stabilization must be handled through the camera or other methods.

Aperture:

wide aperture (main camera) 1.4f
widest aperture at maximum focal length 1.4f
aperture blades 11
Has rounded aperture blades
smallest aperture at maximum focal length 1.4f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length 16f

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM features a wide aperture of 1.4f, offering excellent light gathering capabilities for low-light situations and shallow depth of field. This lens has 11 aperture blades and rounded aperture blades, which help produce smoother, more aesthetically pleasing bokeh. The aperture can be adjusted from 1.4f at both maximum and minimum focal lengths down to 16f at the minimum focal length.

Focus:

Can focus to infinity
Has focus motor
Has full-time manual focus
has a silent focus motor built into the lens
minimum focus distance 0.24 m

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM includes a focus motor that ensures smooth and responsive autofocus, with the added benefit of silent focus motor technology for quiet operation. It also features full-time manual focus, allowing for direct adjustment of focus even while the autofocus is engaged. However, this lens does not focus to infinity, and its minimum focus distance is 0.24m, providing flexibility for close-up shots.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM is a high-quality prime lens designed for Canon RF-mount cameras, offering a wide 1.4f aperture and durable weather-sealed construction, making it an excellent choice for low-light conditions and outdoor photography. Its silent focus motor and full-time manual focus functionality add to its appeal for videographers and photographers seeking precise, quiet control. While it lacks optical image stabilization and has a fixed focal length, this lens remains a strong option for those who value performance in both stills and video. Overall, it's a solid lens for those who prioritize image quality, portability, and versatility in a wide range of shooting conditions.

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