TurboVS
Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM specifications and in-depth review

Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM

Manufacturer: Canon

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is a compact, versatile prime lens designed for Canon RF-mount cameras. With a wide f/1.4 aperture, it excels in low light and creates smooth background blur. This lens also features weather-sealing for durability in challenging conditions.

Key specifications include a 50mm focal length, a minimum focus distance of 0.39m, and a 67mm filter size. The lens also boasts a silent focus motor, full-time manual focus, and a maximum angle of view of 46°.

Pros
  • Weather-sealed design makes it more durable for use in challenging weather conditions.
  • Includes a reversible lens hood for added protection and convenience.
  • The front element doesn't rotate, making it easier to use polarizers or ND filters.
  • Has full-time manual focus, allowing for precise adjustments while maintaining autofocus functionality.
  • Features a quiet focus motor, ideal for video recording or other situations requiring minimal noise.
Cons
  • Does not support focusing to infinity, which may limit certain types of wide-angle or distant-focus shots.
  • Lacks built-in optical image stabilization, which could be a drawback for handheld shooting in low light or at slow shutter speeds.
  • Maximum aperture is wide at f/1.4, but the minimum aperture is limited to f/16, which may not offer as much depth of field control as some users might prefer.
Who is this for?

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is well-suited for photographers who need a reliable, weather-sealed lens with a wide f/1.4 aperture for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects. It is ideal for those who prioritize manual focus control and need a quiet, precise autofocus system for video work. Its compact design and reversible lens hood make it a great choice for everyday photography, while the 0.39m minimum focus distance provides versatility for close-up shots.

Who is this NOT for?

This lens is not suitable for users who need a lens that can focus to infinity, as it lacks this capability. Additionally, the lack of optical image stabilization may be a limitation for handheld shooting, especially in low-light or at slower shutter speeds. Photographers who require a wider aperture range or deeper depth of field control might find the minimum aperture of f/16 restrictive for certain applications, such as landscape photography.

General info:

lens type Prime
lens mount Canon RF
release date March 2025
is weather-sealed (splashproof) ✓
Has a metal mount ✓
weight 580 g
Front element doesn't rotate ✓
Includes lens hood ✓
Lens hood is reversible ✓
filter size 67 mm

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is a weather-sealed prime lens designed for Canon RF-mount cameras. It features a metal mount for durability and a 67mm filter size. The lens weighs 580g and includes a reversible lens hood, with the added benefit that the front element does not rotate during use.

Optics:

maximum focal length 50 mm
minimum focal length 50 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization ✕
maximum angle of view 46°
minimum angle of view 27°
magnification 0.15x
optical zoom 1x

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM offers a fixed 50mm focal length, with a maximum angle of view of 46° and a minimum angle of view of 27°. This lens has a magnification of 0.15x, and it provides a 1x optical zoom. It does not feature built-in optical image stabilization.

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 50mm f/1.4 L VCM features a wide f/1.4 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and a shallow depth of field. It has 11 aperture blades that form a rounded aperture for smoother bokeh. The smallest aperture at maximum focal length is f/1.4, while at minimum focal length it reaches f/16.

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 0.39 m

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM features a focus motor that enables smooth and quiet autofocus, with a minimum focus distance of 0.39m. It also offers full-time manual focus for precise adjustments while maintaining autofocus functionality. However, this lens does not support focusing to infinity.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is a high-quality prime lens ideal for photographers who prioritize low-light performance, precise manual focus, and a versatile f/1.4 aperture. Its weather-sealed construction and quiet autofocus system make it a reliable choice for both casual and professional photographers. However, the lack of optical image stabilization and inability to focus to infinity may limit its use for certain applications. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking a durable and sharp lens with a fast aperture for portrait and general photography.