Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L Announced

Canon has just announced their widest mirrorless L-series prime lens yet, the RF 35mm f/1.4 L. The lens has an impressively small form factor and comes with some nice video-oriented features – namely an aperture ring and minimal focus breathing. It ships later this month for $1500.

In their press release, Canon mentions that the RF 35mm f/1.4 L is “the beginning of a new hybrid lens series” of primes. I suspect that this is Canon’s way of introducing a line of f/1.4 primes to complement their existing f/1.2 and f/1.8 lenses and would not be surprised if we see a 50mm and 85mm version eventually. It joins the previously released RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L, itself a hybrid lens with an aperture ring and the potential for power zoom.

Personally, I love the 35mm focal length and am glad to see Canon introduce this new lens. The previous generation EF 35mm f/1.4 L II was also one of Canon’s best lenses optically, giving me high hopes for how this version will perform. While we have yet to see any lab tests of the new lens, it already beats its predecessor handily in terms of size and weight. The new lens measures in at 99 x 77 mm (3.9 x 3.0 inches) and weighs 555 grams (1.22 lbs). By comparison, the EF 35mm f/1.4 L II measures 106 x 80 mm (4.2 x 3.1 inches) and weighs 760 grams (1.67 lbs). The new version also sports a faster Voice Coil Motor (VCM) instead of the previous Ultrasonic Motor (USM).

Specifications

• Full Name: Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM
• Mount Type: Canon RF Mount
• Focal Length: 35mm prime
• Angle of View (Full Frame): 63°
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Aperture Blades: 11, rounded
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Lens Elements: 14
• Lens Groups: 11
• Special Elements: 2 aspherical, 2 ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass elements
• Anti-Reflection Coatings: ASC (Air Sphere Coating) and SSC (Super Spectra Coating)
• Fluorine Coated Front Element: Yes
• Image Stabilization: No
• Internal Focusing: Yes
• Control Rings: Focus, custom, aperture
• Function Button: Yes
• Switches: AF/MF and iris switch
• Focus Motor: Voice Coil Motor (VCM)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 28 cm (11 inches)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.18× (1:5.6)
• Mount Material: Metal
• Weather/Dust Sealing: Yes
• Dimensions (Length × Diameter): 99 x 77 mm (3.9 x 3.0 inches)
• Weight: 555 g (1.22 lbs)
• MSRP: $1499 (check price and availability)

Official Images

Other Announcements Today

Although Photography Life does not usually cover cinema camera releases, I wanted to mention the EOS C400 camera that Canon also debuted today. It stands out for two reasons. First, it’s the first Canon RF-mount camera to have a traditional cinema form factor (the EOS R5C and C70 have a typical mirrorless form factor, and Canon’s other cine cameras have a PL mount). Second, it’s the first cinema camera with a triple base ISO – 800, 3200, 12,800 – which should substantially improve high ISO performance and dynamic range.

Pair that with the raw 6K video up to 60p (or 4K raw up to 120p), dual pixel autofocus, and a new PL-RF mount adapter, and the EOS C400 is a highly capable machine. It will sell for $8000 with availability in September of this year. An updated version of Canon’s 17-120mm cine lens will also now be available in RF mount. You can read more details at Canon’s EOS C400 press release.

Finally, Canon announced a new flash, the EL-10 Speedlight. This flash sits above the basic EL-100 and retails for $250. It sports a guide number of 131 feet (40 meters) at 200mm and ISO 100, and it also supports wireless radio triggering. It strikes me as a good balance between price and functionality, unlike the simplistic EL-100 or the overpriced EL-1.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L Press Release

Canon Announces First Lens in Series of Fixed Focal Length RF Hybrid Lenses – RF35mm F1.4L VCM

New Portable Speedlite with New Multi-Function Shoe Design Also Available

MELVILLE, N.Y., – June 5, 2024 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM¹ lens and Speedlite EL-10 flash. The new RF35mm lens is the first in a series of fixed focal length RF lenses with hybrid video and still design, and the Speedlite EL-10 integrates with Canon’s new multi-function shoe design, for users of recent Canon EOS cameras.

Answering the needs of many professional high-level photographers, the new RF35m F1.4 L VCM lens can be looked upon as a standard lens for video and still users — for example, those who use the EOS R5 and EOS C70 cameras. This lens is the beginning of a new hybrid lens series and with its fixed focal length, fills a gap as there is not a fixed focal length lens wider than 50mm in the L-series — until now. Ideal for low-light, the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens features a manual iris (aperture) ring which helps provide better control when shooting movies. The lens allows very little focus “breathing” as focus is moved, and it’s highlighted by two Aspherical lens elements and two ultra-low Dispersion glass elements. Overall, this lens has the outstanding L-series optical design many professionals have grown accustomed to. In addition, the lens can be used with the newly announced Canon EOS C400 cinema camera, further reinforcing Canon’s full support of the video market.

“The new RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is the answer for high-level video in the mirrorless market – while also providing still-imaging storytellers the durability and optical performance that is synonymous with Canon lenses,” said Brian Mahar, senior vice president & general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

The Speedlite EL-10 flash is designed for the amateur photographer who is stepping into the mirrorless world, and the veteran user who is looking to get reacquainted with flash photography. The multi-function shoe helps the still imagery storyteller by providing immediate access to the flash control menu, and either an on-camera EL-10 or the optional super-compact Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 assists with triggering from one through up to fifteen off-camera flashes². The Speedlite EL-10 is a radio-based wireless flash with 2^nd-curtain sync capabilities, and leverages four AA batteries instead of a separate battery that requires charging — making operation more streamlined for some users. In addition, it features a Custom Flash Mode function, allowing the end-user to register and store up to three sets of flash settings, and is approximately the same size and weight as its predecessor the Speedlite 430EX-III RT — while also pushing out the same amount of power. Automatic balanced fill flash is a key benefit to using flash photography, whether during daytime or low-light with slow shutter speed, and the Speedlite EL-10 is an excellent gear bag addition to achieve that creative look in one’s photos.

“Flash photography is a simple yet versatile way to add drama to one’s photos and with Canon’s steadfast commitment to reliability, the Speedlite EL-10 provides a full-circle Canon shooting experience,” continued Brian Mahar, senior vice president & general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Price & Availability

RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is expected to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $1,499.00 and the Speedlite EL-10 is also expected to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $249.99*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

About Canon U.S.A. Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. as of 2023 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 38 consecutive years†. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit us at www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.

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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

* Specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice.

¹ This product emits low level magnetic flux. If you use an implantable cardiac pacemaker or other medical device and feel abnormalities, please keep away from this product and consult your doctor.

² Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 is an optional accessory for Wireless off-camera flash control, available through Canon dealers. Speedlite EL-10 is compatible as an on-camera Sender unit or off-camera Receiver unit for wireless flash, along with any previous EX- or EL-series Canon Speedlites or Speedlite Transmitters having RT-based wireless flash capability.