New Lens

Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM - Fast RF Hybrid for the Photojournalist

With a manual aperture ring, the new RF lens should suit those who need to both film and photograph - and it becomes the first fixed RF lens with the ring.

Published

In conjunction with the release of the cinema camera Canon EOS C400, Canon is also releasing a new full-frame RF lens, Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM.

The lens is the first fixed RF lens with a manual aperture ring for film. The lens, which Canon calls a "hybrid lens," is therefore also suitable for both filmmakers and still photographers, and is based on the existing lens RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM from 2018.

The lens has an 11-blade aperture for soft blur and is also designed to have minimal angle of view change, known as focus breathing, when adjusting focus from one distance to another.

The Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM uses, in addition to a nano ultrasonic motor, a faster Voice Coil motor, hence VCM in the product name - for smoother focus through adjustment of the larger lens elements. Similar hybrid features with RF lenses have been seen in Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS Z. The design also allows the use of filters both at the back and front.

The minimum focus distance is 0.28 m, the lens features a control ring, a filter diameter of 67 mm, a rear filter holder, Super Spectra coating, and a fluorine coating on the front lens. The weight is 555 grams. Canon also confirms that they are developing more zoom and prime lenses in the L series with aperture rings and the same size, sharing the hybrid concept for stills and video as the newly released RF 35mm F1.4L VCM.

The Canon RF 35mm F1.4L VCM will be available from July 2024. The recommended price is 23,999 kronor including VAT.

Canon is also releasing the new Speedlite EL-10 flash at the same time. The flash is lightweight and compact, charges in 1.5 seconds, and can be adjusted in power from full to 1/1024. The flash is compatible with all cameras with an RF mount except Canon EOS R100.

The flash can be tilted both vertically and horizontally, supports E-TTL II, and weighs 284 grams. It can also be remotely controlled via Canon's Camera Connect app.

The flash will be available from July 2024, with a recommended price of 4,049 kronor including VAT.

Press Release: Creative and Convenient: Canon Launches the First Fixed RF Hybrid Lens of Its Kind and a New Speedlite Flash

Stockholm, June 5, 2024 - Canon introduces the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, a hybrid lens that is the first of its kind designed for both stills and video. At the same time, the Speedlite EL-10 flash unit is also launched, enhancing portrait photos with its adjustable lighting.

RF 35mm F1.4L VCM

For those engaged in creative work, this hybrid lens offers the flexibility needed to reach new artistic levels and use mixed media. This is a single lens, functioning as two, and is part of a growing range. It is the only fixed RF lens with a special aperture ring for film1. The lens also features an 11-blade aperture that provides soft, blurred areas to separate subjects from the background or foreground. Minimal angle of view change helps filmmakers avoid visual distractions when pulling focus from one subject to another. The hybrid lens provides a smooth experience for both stills and moving images, whether it's events like weddings or street documentaries.

There are no limits to creative goals, regardless of framing or environment. When a wide angle is needed - for example, to take a group photo at an event or reportage images on the street - the 35mm focal length provides a good balance in the right perspective. Aperture f/1.4 can be used to control depth of field, ensuring brilliant, creative performances even in low light. Even during the golden hour, for nighttime skylines or dimly lit events. Thanks to the design of the fixed lens RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, both front and rear filters can also be used to create additional creative expressions.

The lens is designed with photojournalists and content creators in mind, who therefore do not need to worry about missing fleeting moments. The fast nanoultrasound motor, combined with even faster VCM technology (Voice Coil Motor2), delivers quick and precise focusing as scenes unfold - useful when capturing still images or lively subjects like children or pets, or to effortlessly capture events on film. The special lens ring and a customizable function button also allow photographers and filmmakers to continue immersing themselves in the events as they adjust settings.

The L-series design is perfect for anyone in more challenging environments. A fluorine coating ensures that dirt does not stick to the front of the lens and the lightweight design (lighter than its predecessor EF) makes long field shoots comfortable. And thanks to aspherical lenses and UD glass with Super Spectra and ASC coatings, photographers/filmmakers can enjoy crystal-clear images, without having to worry about light flares and reflections, in really bright sunlight.

Canon Speedlite EL-10

A new Speedlite in the EL series is also being launched - a light, compact, and affordable flash that creates even more creativity among photographers. With industry-leading recharge time of only 1.5 seconds, Speedlite EL-10 supports features like linked custom modes and remote flash control.

Shooting and recording are now smoother and easier than ever thanks to the multifunction mount interface that improves communication. The linked custom shooting modes support scenes that change quickly, such as moving from sunlight to shade, or when working with changed color tones in fashion photography. Settings can be remotely changed through the Camera Connect smartphone app, to get camera and flash to respond together.

The zoom coverage of 24-105 mm and a flexible power range help creative content creators take control of the lighting and the images get a professional look - whether it's about making the subject's eyes sparkle as much as possible or creating a soft flash for capricious portrait photos. Speedlite EL-10 weighs just 284 g and is powered by four AA batteries - perfect for daily use. RF 35mm F1.4L VCM and Speedlite EL-10 are versatile, flexible, and comfortable and Canon continues its support for content creators so they can push their creative boundaries. To show the commitment to expanding the professional RF lens series even more, Canon can confirm that more zoom and fixed lenses in the L-series with aperture rings and the same size and sharing the same hybrid concept for stills and film as RF 35mm F1.4L VCM are now being developed.

RF 35mm F1.4L VCM will be available from July 2024, with a recommended price including VAT of 23,999 SEK. And Speedlite EL-10 will be available from July 2024, with a recommended price including VAT of 4,049 SEK.

More information about these products can be found at:

RF 35mm F1.4L VCM: https://www.canon.se/lenses/rf-35mm-f1-4l-vcm/

https://www.canon.se/lenses/rf-35mm-f1-4l-vcm/specifications/

Speedlite EL-10: https://www.canon.se/cameras/speedlite-flash-el-10/

1 When recording movies and handling the aperture ring while AF is used, focusing and aperture values may be inconsistent on rare occasions, if using EOS R cameras released before May 2024.

2 Important: The Voice Coil motor in RF 35mm F1.4L VCM emits a low-level magnetic field. It is usually harmless, but we advise you to consult a doctor for advice if you have a pacemaker or other medical device. When the lens is not connected to the camera, or when the camera is turned off, internal noise from lens components may occur. This is normal and not a malfunction. Minor movements during transport do not affect performance.