Worth the Upgrade? Canon RF35mm F/1.4L VCM Lens Compared to the Canon RF35mm F/1.8 IS STM
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- In this video, I review the Canon RF35mm F/1.4L VCM lens. I compare the lens to the RF35mm F/1.8 MACRO IS STM lens which I also own and have used since it was released. The RF35mm 1.4L is very sharp all the way to the corners, has amazing contrast, good bokeh, and fast autofocus. It does have a significant amount of vignetting when shooting wide open. I think it is a fantastic lens if you are a professional photographer looking for a lightweight lens for context portraits. Thanks for watching!
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Nice review. But the best part is your sweet daughter. God bless her!
😊 thank you!
Beautiful pics and nice thorough review! The Lightroom profile was released last week I believe - it works well and takes care of the vignetting/distortion quite nicely. So happy to see a real world use review from a professional photographer. As you might have noticed, this lens is so polarizing and for some reason the purported “flaws” are grabbing the most attention, namely the vignetting/distortion. Thank you for this great review!
Thanks for the heads up! Having the lens profile correction essentially makes those issues disappear! I am thankful Lightroom had them available so quick this time! With other releases, it has been months!
I really wanted to see a video about the RF 35mm VCM. So I collected all of the 7 Dragon Balls and made a wish. Shane Long appeared and I got the video I was asking for.
Haha! Best comment! I used to watch so much DBZ!
Thanks for the review. I got the lens the day after it was released. I debated sending it back because of the distortion and dark corners. Your review helped me to decide to keep it. Looking forward to watching more of ur videos.
I think more lenses probably have some like that happening, we just don't see it because the technology helps them out in post. Hope you are liking the lens!
Thank you for a real world comparison review. 13:56 It's really hard for me to ignore such obviously bad bokeh of the 35/1.8 Macro at normal focus distances. Which was the main reason why I didn't get one for myself. It's OK for close-ups. But, for high-def people photography, the new RF35L seems to do much better. Huge difference! Well done.
Exactly! This lens definitely has smoother bokeh and is more sharp. I really like the look of the photos!
Very valuable review! Also like how your R5 really shows its signs of use 😉
comparison - thank you!! My 1.4 arrives tomorrow, after watching this I know I made the right choice!
Excellent review, as always, Shane. May I request to compare the 1.4 VCM lens with 3rd party 35mm EF lens, like Tamron SP and Sigma Art. All of them are 1.4. While the 3rd party lenses are old enough, however the IQ produced by these 2 old lenses are worth comparing...! I own Tamron 35mm F1.4 and it is a superb lens on my Canon R6m2, hands down! 😊😊
The EF 35mm lens has less chromatic aberration. But for some reason, everyone who advertises the RF 35mm 1.4 keeps silent about this. And some say that it is easy to remove in Photoshop. Yes, it is easy, but in the EF version it is almost not present in the photo.
Thanks for the review! After using both lens, the biggest difference for me is the AF speed. The 1.4L focus very quietly and super rapidly, which has made my shooting experience and workflow so much better
I miss the half macro ability on the 1.8 lens though
Hey Shane, another fantastic video! Do you still have your EF 35mm f1.4? Have you considered a comparison video between the EF and new RF 1.4L lenses? I'd love to hear your take on that, the smaller size and weight of the new RF is really enticing and I'm sure super sharp, but the EF 35 is such an amazing lens with beautiful bokeh, I'm super curious to see them side by side!
Excellent content 👌. I own and love quality I get out of 35 1.8 IS but, on yours pictures, vs 1.4 vcm they look flat, like 3D pop is lacking.
Great review as tempting as it is to buy the 1.4 the 1.8 makes much more sense to me
Glad it was helpful! Have fun with that 1.8!
@@ShaneLongPhotography Well I rented the 35 1.4 for two days and then bought it!
Thank you Shane! Fantastic review🎉
You bet!
Excellent video!!! Thanks for all the comparison.
My pleasure! Glad it was helpful!
I have the 50mm f1.2 I used to have the 35mm 1.8(for half-macro)-- this lens should have been f1.2 its mirrorless its possible - That would have really made it extraordinary -just my opinion
I think they are going to come out with a 1.2 version in the future that is in the same price bracket as the other 1.2 lenses. I think this lens is introducing their new "afordable" L lenses.
1.4 is fine for 35mm when you want a little enviroment, keeps the size and cost down as well.
Well balanced review using beautiful images. And your cute, enthusiastic little elf makes any review a highlight.
The lens on the other hand is horribly overpriced. I was expecting far better from an L lens after so many years of development.
Thanks! I am guessing it will come down in price quite a bit over the years and they will release a 1.2 version in the same league as the 50 and 85 1.2 lenses. They did something like this with the 85mm on the EF mount.
Great review 😊
Thank you!
Thanks a lot for the comparaison.
Would have loved to see the same video from a videomaker point of view.
And glad to see a review by someone who actually uses the gear :).
You bet! I am sure some video person out there will make a review!
I really appreciate your review. When I saw that you made a review, I knew it would be thorough! I would like to see you daughter running toward the camera with the 1.8mm to see if all of those pictures are in focus on not, like they were with the 1.4mm. Even though you have already made this review, if you can test and comment, that would be amazing. I do baptisms and the higher aperture to let more light in would be nice and if it is able to track well or better, that would be very valuable information to know. I have the 1.8 so I want to know how the tracking of movement compares. Very nice video!!!
You made me curious! So I took out the 35 1.8 and had her run at the camera. It kept her in focus until she got close to the camera (like the last 5 feet or so) then it was a little backfocused on her shoulder. Granted, not an extensive test, but shows how the 1.4 has a much faster AF motor in it!
35mm 1.8 macro have a STM motor, the maf Is more and more slow and soft, designed for elegant video transitions, they are two different concepts, the high-end RF lenses (L) instead have much faster nano USM motors, moreover this RF 35mm 1.4 also uses the VCM (voice coil motor) which makes it even faster. so on paper there is really no comparison, 2 years ago I bought the 35 1.8 and then sold it in favor of the faster 35mm 1.4 sigma art, which was slightly better performing even using the adapter ring
Thank you very much for this comparison of the two lenses, also in text form!
Many Canon photographers already have the RF 35 1.8 and will now know whether they want to change to the L lens, which is not perfect either. I don't have a 35mm, but the RF 50 1.2 and the image quality is outstanding. A little more wide angle and less weight would sometimes be good, unfortunately I still can't say 35 1.4 or 35 1.8 🤨
Very nice images, and you can really see how much sharper f1.4 is in some situations(while in others it's more in the corners you notice it).
At least with the UA-cam compression.
But I'm wondering about the lens rattle? You didn't mention it all?
Good question. When I first took it out of the box, it reminded me of the EF 85 1.4 that had a IS rattle. Then I started using the 35 and never gave it a 2nd thought. So much so that I didn't remember to include it in the video!
Shane! Been waiting for this one. BRB watching vid.
Thanks for following along!
Thank you for this video!
Glad it was helpful!
👍👍👍NICE REVIEW !
the 35mm f1.8 is a better deal (lighter + half macro + stabilizer) . but if you are a 35/85mm guy .. now you have the the sharpie combo
The thing is, at 35mm you do not need OIS if you have a body with IBIS, it is as effective.
"sharpie combo" :)
Great video!
Nice review. The af looks so snappy that’s the biggest reason I’m thinking of upgrading. Would like to see lens flare of 1.8 in this situations and the af on your daughter running. I know it’s apples to oranges but curious how this compares to ef 50 1.2 . I’m not sold on a particular focal length at the moment and wondering if it’s worth changing
I wish I had don't that comparison too! On my first review of the 35 1.8 I did a little test like that with both those lenses if it is helpful: ua-cam.com/video/hdldTtRIt5E/v-deo.html
Great detailed video.
Appreciate that!
Thank you
You bet!
Amazing shots, beautiful results from the 1.4. Even though the 1.8 is very similar, I'd still go for the 1.4....it's crisp and magical. Can't wait to get one. Thanks for your insight and great video
Thanks! So much pop in the 1.4! Hope you get one someday!
i return it bought back the 1.8 macro and as sharp as the 1.4
The main advantage of the 35/1.4L VCM vs. the 25/1.8 is the faster autofocus in my opinion. But in my nature photography I prefer the latter, because I can get closer to the subject, which makes a huge difference.
Hello mate…..it’s been so looooong since your last video
Hello! Busy with life! And truthfully just haven't needed to buy any new gear so nothing new to review :)
Thanks a lot Shane for this great in-depth review. LOCA seems at the same level as with the 1.8, from this table photo? How is you perception of the rattling noise this lens makes when switched off? I currently adapt the old EF 35mm IS USM, which is at least at par with the RF 1.8, and I'm still undecided about this new 1.4 lens: I hoped for a more photo-centric RF 35mm 1.2.
Great thoughts. I didn't look in depth at the LOCA. It seemed better to me than the 1.8 since it has a lot more micro contrast. The noise rattling was a non issue for me. So much so that I didn't even remember to put it in the video because I never noticed it again after I initially took it out of the box. The noise reminds me of the EF 85 1.4. I think a 35 1.2 will be on the horizon, but it might be a few more years. Hope that helps!
@@ShaneLongPhotography Hi Shane, thanks, I once owned the EF 85 1.4, so now I have a better understanding of that rattling noise: noticeable, a little concerning, but not disturbing in shooting situations as far as I remember. The main issues I have with this RF 35 1.4 are LOCA, as there's no easy fix for it in post, and the ugly distortion - prominent LOCA is why I exchanged the otherwise perfect EF 85 1.4 with the RF 85 1.2 last year. I own the marvellous little EF 35mm 2.0 IS USM, so I'm still deciding wether to get this new RF 1.4 or rather wait for an RF 1.2.
Die VCM Objektive sind für mich indiskutabel da der Blendenring für Fotos mit Kameras die vor Juni 2024 ausgeliefert wurden nicht nutzbar ist! Auch die Aussage das der Fokus und die Blende verändert wird bei Berührung des Blendenrings wenn man zum Beispiel mit einer R5 Mark I Videos macht ist ein absolutes Ausschlusskriterium für mich und viele andere! Wenn Canon sich selbst sabotieren will dann sollen sie das tun! Es wird den Erfolg der VCM Objektive schmälern! Viele Grüße aus Deutschland!
There is life beyond F2! Its rather harsh to keep comparing these lenses wide open / near wide open given the price tags. Between F2.8 and F11 its much, much harder to justify the extra money, even for a pro. Only the macro segment of this review shows the strong performance the 1.8 can deliver. For an amateur not worried about creamy bokeh & 'pop', and a non-IBIS body, its great to dial down the ISO, set to F2.8-5.6, engage the IS and produces images very close to 'L', with the Canon 'look'.
Awesome video! Can you please tell me what auto focus setting used on your daughter while swinging? Great shot. Thanks
Pretty sure I was on AF Servo and Large Zone AF. I have my camera set so I can toggle through the AF zones with a press of a button and that is super helpful!
Do you own the older EF 35mm 1.4 II? That's the comparison I'd like to see. I just need to know if it has that same magic from the "almost perfect" EF version, that lens is a gem.
I saw that comparison somewhere. The RF is sharper. I too own the EF 35 1.4 II L and although it's a bit front heavy with the ef-rf adapter, I am totally happy with the results it gives me. To me the distortion of the new RF is unacceptable at this price point.
I got the RF 35 a over a week ago and overlapped ownership with my EF 35mm 1.4L II for about a week. Objectively, I think the older EF lens is better optically. But honestly, the savings on the size and weight are not to be overlooked. In the end I sold my EF lens and am keeping the RF. The sale funded about half the cost of the new one. I get what people are saying about the distortion and darkening in the corners, but my feelings are that the lens is able to produce images I'm very happy with, so is it even worth complaining about?
@@m4jqp Interesting. In what way is it better optically?
@@m4jqp Agreed, I just feel like the price is unjustified. It should be much lower.
@@m4jqp Thanks for the reply. I'd like to know why you think the EF version is optically better.
Thanks!
I love the colors in your photos. Can you share the preset? Thank you so much.
Hi Shane, what is your opinion on the rattling? or are there other people who can give their opinion on this? Thnx
Good question. When I first took it out of the box, it reminded me of the EF 85 1.4 that had a IS rattle. Then I started using the 35 and never gave it a 2nd thought. So much so that I didn't remember to include it in the video!
What type of tripod head are you using?
Love the colors :)
it's abvious, the 1.8 was the first photo because it's zoomed in a little bit
I've been waiting for this, but you have me deciding between this and the rf 1.8. I do own a macro lens but I don't use it much. How does the 1.8 do in backlit situations?
It does ok. Better than the 50 1.2 and 85 1.2. Where the 35 1.8 is bad is its Chromatic Aberrations. Lots of purple fringing in high contrast areas. That said if you are on a budget, the 35 1.8 is a great little lens.
For wedding photographers, do we need that extra sharpness when we’re likely reducing clarity etc anyway for that slightly magical feel?
Weather sealing is the only difference for me
That is an important factor to consider what aspects pair best with your editing style!
yeah im gonna need a 1.2 please
This rf35 1.4 is the real rf 35😂😂😂. I used rf 35 1.8 for three years. I did notice it is narrow than my EF 16 35 II at 35. It is sharp, but not enough to reach rf L prime lens. Even 28mm 2.8 is sharper than 35 1.8 at the same aperture. Broker of 1.8 is acceptable but definitely looks weird sometimes.
Good analysis! Nice now that we have some options!
Your daughter will rule Hollywood. 🎉
I have 35 1.4 vcm and rf 50 1.2. I feel like 35 vcm is a better lens, more modern, especially for video.
hi, can you confirm the fact that the speed of the new 35 is decidedly higher than the 50mm 1.2?
I have the 50mm 1.2, the thing that surprised me a year ago is the fact that my old sigma art ef 50mm 1.4 seemed even faster, despite the Canon's maf nano usm.
I think it's because of the 1.2 aperture, and the weight of the lenses.
on the other hand, the Canon greatly improved the stability of the eye tracking as it was more advanced in technology, and clearly there was no comparison in terms of image rendering, the best of all my lenses.
@ yes, 35 vcm feels like 3 times faster. Not only faster, but more accurate and more efficient in low light
Interesting lens but is the difference enough to warrant spending 4 times the price of the 35mm F1.8 ? For me it would be a waste of money and here it highlights the issue Canon has with the RF lens choice. Professionals can justify the cost, probably, but enthusiastic armatures just don't have the choice without third party lenses. Get one Canon RF lens or several cheapish maybe not so good Canon RF lenses for greater creativity but lower quality. I wait for the day that Sigma and Tamron get the green light for Autofocus RF lenses.
You are wise! Cost is an important factor, especially if photography isn't your main source if income!
Any comparisons between the EF 35mm f/1.4L Mk2 which I am using adapted on an R5? Don't think that there will be much reason to get the RF from what I've read. But actual use will always be the difference.
Sadly I sold it a few years back so I couldn't do a direct comparison. I think they are very similar. I would say go with the new on if you want the smaller size since you wont have to adapt it. Maybe see if you can rent it or somehow try it out. Like you said, it makes a big difference to actually use it!
@@ShaneLongPhotography Thanks. The size and weight don't bother me at all. I'm also shooting with the 28-70mm f/2L which is a hoss of a lens. Everything else is feather light in comparison. I'll probably just stick with the EF 35mm. I like it a lot, and it works perfectly well adapted to the R5.
Bokeh for that 1.4 aparture is disaapointing as 1.8 has same often much higher amount of bokeh. Only for sharpness? I think its better to stay on 28 70 at 35 mm till 35mm 1.2 comes out.
Should I replace my ef 35 II to this lens
The old 35 is amazing! Sadly I sold it a few years back so I couldn't do a direct comparison. I think they are very similar. I would say go with the new on if you want the smaller size since you wont have to adapt it. Maybe see if you can rent it or somehow try it out. Makes a big difference to use it personally.
It is 4-5 times more expensive. In terms of clarity, it is 1 click clearer along the length and in the corners. This price difference is not worth paying.
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Why is the video so shaky. Do you have IBIS disabled?
Yeah, I wanted to showcase what the footage looked like without the crop.
@@ShaneLongPhotography a crop? oh no. I thought the sensor was large enough to counter the need for a crop. Never really looked into it.
If money wasn't an option would you buy the 50 1.2 over this?
For me doing lots of portraits, I would take the 50 over this. I use it for about 50% of my photos on a wedding day. Though 35mm comes in a close 2nd! Both are incredible lens.
Think the mf thing is a feature, because the 1.8 is a makro lense and you want to be able to fokus in a slow and in many steps (for stacking as example).
I have the EF 1.4 I don't see the point of getting this. I will wait until they release the RF 35mm F1.2.
I too am excited to see if those patents become a reality!
I like the fact that the 1.8 lens can keep up with much pricier one :D
The macro and IS is why I still prefer my 1.8 over the new 1.4. Unless I'm zooming in all the time which I'm not I think the 1.8 will be very much capable in any bag. At this point I think you're paying for the L strip on the lens.
You have to zoom with your feet, so the f/1.8 has the advantage of being small and light if you're zooming in all the time. The advantage of the f/1.4L VCM in such cases might be the faster focus after you've moved into position (my guess is that the quieter focus matters less when you're moving around anyway).
That's what its all about! Having different tools to meet different needs! My bag too had different lenses in it throughout the day.
You are right that the AF is certainly quicker!
The good thing about using such a young subject with that sharp lens is you don't have to worry about blemishes and acne but when you're dealing with 14-25 year olds all the acne becomes a distraction so you have to use a skin softener filter
I find all canon L Series extremely cheap child and noisy for the price tag especially doing videography while it searches autofocus
Sony GM lenses are silent. The 1.2 rf primes are slow and make a bunch of noise.
The RF1.8 is unbeatable in terms of bang for your buck 😊
I probably would have kept it if the STM AF wasn't so slow and noisy. Just doesn't feel right if you are used to the Nano USM lenses.
It is such a great deal! Especially now if you can get it refurbished through Canon!
And for me, focusing the 35 1.8 manually it maybe its biggest con. Takes SO long!!
Но все равно все побегут покупать с красной полосочкой
The distorsion of this lens is so ugly and huge I just don't believe this! Also vignetting... I have a friend, who buyed it and he will return it.... Sad story, Canon. :-(
Who even looks at images at 300% Anything beyond 100% is going to look pixelated