Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM specifications and in-depth review

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM

Manufacturer: Canon

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is a high-performance prime lens designed for the Canon RF mount system. It features a wide 1.4f aperture, making it a strong choice for low-light and shallow depth of field photography. The lens is weather-sealed and includes a metal mount, ensuring durability in challenging conditions.

With a minimum focus distance of 0.28 meters, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM provides excellent close-up capability. The lens also includes a silent focus motor for smooth and quiet focusing, and offers full-time manual focus. It has 11 rounded aperture blades that contribute to beautiful bokeh effects, even at smaller apertures.

Pros
  • Weather-sealed design makes the lens suitable for use in challenging environments.
  • Metal mount enhances durability and build quality, ensuring long-term reliability.
  • Reversible lens hood offers convenience and portability while protecting the lens.
  • Silent focus motor ensures quiet operation, making it ideal for video recording.
  • Full-time manual focus provides more control for precision adjustments during shooting.
Cons
  • Does not support optical image stabilization, which could limit handheld shooting stability.
  • Cannot focus to infinity, which may limit its usefulness for certain landscape or wide-angle photography.
  • Magnification of 0.18x may not be sufficient for detailed macro shots.
Who is this for?

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is ideal for photographers who need a durable, weather-sealed lens that performs well in various shooting conditions. Its wide 1.4f aperture is perfect for those who prioritize low-light capabilities and want to achieve a shallow depth of field for portraiture or artistic shots. Additionally, its silent focus motor and full-time manual focus make it well-suited for videographers who require smooth, quiet focusing during recording.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens may not be the best choice for users who require optical image stabilization for handheld shooting, as it lacks this feature. Additionally, it is not suitable for infinity focus scenarios, making it less ideal for landscape photographers who need to focus on distant subjects. The magnification of 0.18x also limits its use for close-up or macro photography.

General info:

lens type Prime
lens mount Canon RF
release date March 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
Has a metal mount
weight 555 g
Front element doesn't rotate
Includes lens hood
Lens hood is reversible
filter size 67 mm

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is a prime lens designed for the Canon RF mount system, weighing 555 g. It features a weather-sealed construction, making it splashproof and suitable for challenging environments. The lens also includes a metal mount for added durability. The front element of the lens does not rotate, making it convenient for use with filters. Additionally, it comes with a reversible lens hood and a 67mm filter size, allowing for versatile protection and attachment options.

Optics:

maximum focal length 35 mm
minimum focal length 35 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization
maximum angle of view 63°
minimum angle of view 38°
magnification 0.18x
optical zoom 1x

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM offers a fixed focal length of 35 mm for both minimum and maximum distances. It provides a maximum angle of view of 63° and a minimum angle of view of 38°, making it suitable for a wide range of shots. While it lacks built-in optical image stabilization, the lens offers a magnification of 0.18x and has a 1x optical zoom, providing a versatile setup for various types of photography.

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 35mm f/1.4 L VCM features a wide 1.4f aperture, offering excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for creative effects. The lens uses 11 aperture blades, which helps produce smooth bokeh. It also includes rounded aperture blades, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing background blur. At its maximum focal length, the smallest aperture is also 1.4f, while at the minimum focal length, the smallest aperture is 16f.

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 0.28 m

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM features a minimum focus distance of 0.28 meters, allowing for close-up shots. It is equipped with a focus motor for fast and precise focusing, and also includes full-time manual focus for greater control. The lens is designed with a silent focus motor, ensuring quiet operation, which is especially useful for video recording.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is a high-quality prime lens well-suited for photographers and videographers who need a durable, weather-sealed lens with excellent low-light performance thanks to its wide 1.4f aperture. Its silent focus motor and full-time manual focus make it a strong choice for video work, while its compact design ensures portability. However, its lack of optical image stabilization and inability to focus to infinity may limit its appeal for certain users, particularly those focused on landscape or handheld shooting. Overall, this lens excels in creative, controlled environments and offers great flexibility for close to mid-range shots.

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