Canon’s RF35mm f/1.4L VCM: Empowering a New Generation of Visual Expression
A classic large aperture prime lens reimagined and redesigned for a new era
Caption
6 June 2024—Canon today announced the RF35mm f/1.4L VCM, a professional prime lens for the RF mount and the first to feature Canon’s new Voice Coil Motor (VCM) AF system. This compact RF version of Canon's classic 35mm f/1.4L lens offers stunning visuals, ease of use, dependability, and high performance for both video and still production— to meet the needs of professional production and serve as a differentiating factor for content creation.
Ichinomiya Takashi, Director of Regional ICB Sales & Marketing, Canon Singapore, said, “We are excited to launch the first in a new series of lenses with our latest VCM AF capability. Besides the introduction of the new drive system, the RF35mm f/1.4L VCM also comes with a large aperture and clickless iris ring that provide users the opportunities to create beautiful content with minimal effort required. It is our belief that the RF35mm f/1.4L VCM would empower content creators to achieve their desired outcome while switching seamlessly between photos and videos.”
Outstanding Focus Control with VCM
The Voice Coil Motor (VCM) is a high-thrust AF drive system that uses a magnetic field to drive the lens group, which is well-suited to drive larger, heavier lenses in the RF35mm f/1.4L VCM’s focusing lens group. It works in tandem with the compact Nano USM, which drives the lightweight floating lens groups, and an advanced new control algorithm that improves response during Servo AF and high-speed continuous shooting, to achieve high precision focusing for stills and seamless focus transitions for video. The high degree of control and precision ensures that focus is where it should be even when shooting close-ups at the 0.28m closest focusing distance or utilising the shallow focus possibilities of the lens’ wide f/1.4 maximum aperture.
For Expressive Storytelling with Superior Image Quality
The RF35mm f/1.4L VCM’s wide f/1.4 maximum aperture is both a source of creative potential and a technical necessity. It creates beautiful bokeh that makes subjects stand out and heightens visual impact. At the same time, it ensures the visibility of focus transitions essential for video storytelling. The extra light it allows in not only provides greater leeway with exposure settings in low light situations, but also alleviates practical concerns such as getting clean footage without using additional lighting.
The 11-blade circular aperture design ensures beautiful round bokeh lights in out of focus areas even when the aperture is stopped down—and stunning 22-pointed starbursts at narrow apertures.
As an L-series professional-grade lens, the visual possibilities are assured with optics and special coatings designed for the best image quality. Images are stunningly clean and sharp with minimal aberrations from the centre through to the corners. This results in well-suppressed chromatic aberration even near the focus peak and smooth, beautifully resolved bokeh. With Air Sphere Coating (ASC), flare and ghosting under backlit conditions will be effectively reduced.
In addition to the 67mm screw-on filters, the RF35mm f/1.4L VCM is equipped with a rear filter holder that can take sheet filters which provide more creative ways to shoot. Certain effects or results can also be achieved as users have the option to utilise two different filters.
Clickless Iris Ring for Easy Operability
At approximately 555g, the RF35mm f/1.4L VCM is around 27% lighter than its EF predecessor, the EF35mm f/1.4L II USM, contributing to a more mobile setup especially when users incorporate deliberate camera movement to their shots.
The RF35mm f/1.4L VCM is Canon’s second RF lens that is not in the Canon’s Cinema Lenses range, which features a clickless iris ring. This stems from videographers' feedback and deeper understanding of their work processes, wherein Canon’s developers recognised their desire for direct aperture control during filming. The layout of the rings and buttons is designed to allow videographers to operate comfortably, with the direction of the ring rotation identical to Cinema EOS system cinema lenses for seamless cross-usage of lens systems.
The RF35mm f/1.4L VCM is Canon’s first RF lens to have a focus ring that can be customised to work like a control ring on compatible cameras[1]. On the left side of the lens barrel, there is a programmable lens function button that provides another option for users to control directly functions like the AF stop.
Other Notable Features
Get sharp hand held slow shutter images with up to 7 stops of image stabilisation through the Coordinated Control IS when paired with compatible cameras. Have a peace of mind when shooting outdoors with the RF35mm f/1.4L VCM’s dust- and drip-resistance.
[1] Not possible on EOS R, RP, Ra, R5, R5C or R6. Also note that when the focus ring is used as control ring, the original control ring is disabled.
About Canon in the Philippines
Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.
Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers.
Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.
More information and images are available at the Press Center section at https://ph.canon/en/consumer/press.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shyla Carmina Reyes
Media Relations Director
M2.0 Communications
0917.8475264
