Canon announced RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM ultra-wide angle zoom lens on 29th June 2021. This is the latest lens to join the Canon RF lenses family, completing the f/4L holy trinity of RF lenses together with the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM and RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lenses. With its 14-35mm focal length range and 0.38x magnification at 35mm, Canon’s latest lens for its full-frame mirrorless camera systems is equally adept at capturing stunning ultra-wide angle landscape and architectural shots – providing photography enthusiasts with a versatile, professional-grade mount zoom lens at an accessible price point.
Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Canon Singapore, said, “The launch of the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM represents our commitment to providing professional photographers and enthusiasts alike with an ever-expanding range of lenses for their needs. Not only does it provide a wider field of view to cover the ultra-wide 14mm perspective, our latest lens offering also packs a useful 0.38x magnification at the 35mm focal range. Coupled with image stabilisation, the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM is a versatile option for a wide range of photography – all built into a compact package.”
Expanding the Ultra-wide Range to 14mm with 0.38x magnification
Regardless of whether you are looking to shoot indoor or outdoor landscape and architecture, the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM can capture more of the surroundings in a limited space or further emphasize the perspective of a scene as it is 2mm wider than its EF counterpart, EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM.
Due to its short back focus design, the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM can shoot with a minimum focusing distance of approximately 0.2m and a maximum magnification of approximately 0.38x at 35mm.The rear focusing system suppresses focus breathing and the low weight of the focus lens group increases AF speed for comfortable close up shooting.
Up to 4 seconds Shutter Speed with The EOS R5 and EOS R6
The RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM is the first RF lens to cover the ultra-wide angle range of 14mm that features an Optical Image Stabilizer with a CIPA standard of approximately 5.5 stops. When used in tandem with the EOS R5 and EOS R6, the image stabilisation effect is approximately 7 stops, through coordinated control of the In-body Image Stabilizer and Optical Image Stabilizer – making handheld shots at up to 4 seconds shutter speed at 35mm a new possibility.
This also allows for sharper images such as when shooting in dark places where a tripod is unavailable or unsuitable, such as in tight and crowded spaces. The RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM’s Nano USM focus drive system also delivers high-speed, high-precision still image AF and smooth movie AF.
Higher image quality in a Compact and Light Package
Despite being 2mm wider than its EF counterpart, Canon’s latest RF lens is approximately 12% shorter and lighter than the EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens.
The RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM boasts a wider angle than previous models, which is achieved through effective arrangement of three aspherical lenses, which includes one ultra-low dispersion (UD) lens and three UD lenses (including the UD spherical lens), while maintaining the high image quality that has become the mark of Canon’s camera lenses.
Instead of common vapour-deposit coatings, the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM features the use of Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) for its anti-reflective properties, reducing flare issues such as ghosting when shooting in brightly lit environments.
With its dust and drip resistant design, the RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM is able to withstand most outdoor conditions, giving users peace of mind. Sealing is applied to lens joining sections and switch panels to prevent water and dust from entering.
For ease of maintenance, the surface of the lens’ front element has a fluorine coating, which repels oil and water – oil that adheres to the lens can simply be wiped off with a dry cloth, without the use of a solvent.
Personal Views
The RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM is built on a legacy of Canon wide angle zoom L lenses over the decades, from the EF16-35mm f/2.8L, EF17-40mm f/4L and EF16-35mm f/4L, this new RF wide angle zoom lens promises to be even better, a professional high quality lens in a compact and lightweight package at an accessible price point.
This new Canon RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is not just for professional photographers, it’s highly suitable for photography enthusiasts too. Adding to the wide and diverse range of different RF lenses for the Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera system that are now available, they showcased Canon’s commitment and promise to the full-frame mirrorless camera eco-system.
Pricing and Availability
The RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM will be available in September 2021, with pricing to be advised at a later date.
Product Specifications
Canon RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM
Focal Length |
14-35mm |
Maximum Aperture |
f/4 |
Minimum Aperture |
f/22 |
Minimum Focusing Distance |
0.2 m |
Maximum Magnification |
0.38x (at 35 mm), 0.15x (at 14 mm) |
Lens Construction |
16 elements in 12 groups |
Special Low Dispersion Glass |
3 UD lenses |
Special Coating |
SWC, ASC, fluorine coating |
Drip/Dust Resistance |
Supported |
Aperture Blades |
9 |
Image Stabilisation (CIPA Standard Correction Effect) |
Yes (Up to 5.5 stops) |
Coordinated Image Stabilisation |
Yes (Up to 7 stops) |
Filter Diameter |
Φ77 mm |
Maximum Diameter and Length |
Approx. 84.1 mm x 99.8 mm |
Weight |
Approx. 540 g |
* Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO PR *