Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 vs RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM – Which One Should You Buy?

Canon’s RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM has long been a favorite among creators for its portability, sharpness, and affordability. But with the release of the new Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, Canon finally brings a professional-grade, fast-aperture 35mm prime to its RF lineup.

At more than four times the price, the big question is: is the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM really worth it? Let’s compare the two lenses in detail to see which one fits your needs — and your budget.

---

⚙️ Overview — Budget Hybrid vs Professional Powerhouse

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
An affordable and versatile prime designed for everyday photographers and hybrid creators. It’s small, lightweight, and sharp, with the added bonus of image stabilization and 1:2 macro capabilities. Perfect for travel, vlogging, and handheld shooting.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM
Canon’s long-awaited professional 35mm prime, the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, brings L-series build quality, a faster aperture, a new VCM (Voice Coil Motor) autofocus system, and a dedicated aperture control ring for filmmakers. It’s built for demanding professionals who want both still and video excellence.

In short:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Compact, stabilized, affordable all-rounder.

• RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Premium, weather-sealed, fast-aperture lens for professionals.

---

📊 Specifications Comparison

---

🧱 Build and Handling

The RF 35mm f/1.8 is a small, lightweight lens that makes any Canon R camera feel nimble and balanced. It’s perfect for travel, gimbals, or long handheld sessions. The build is mostly plastic, but the control ring and focus ring feel smooth and precise.

The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM feels like a true professional lens. The all-metal barrel, rubber weather seals, and tactile focus and aperture rings scream quality. The extra weight adds stability, especially for video rigs.

Verdict:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Compact and travel-friendly.

• RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Premium and professional, built to last.

---

🎯 Autofocus and Performance

Here’s where the gap between the two lenses becomes obvious.

The RF 35mm f/1.8 uses Canon’s STM motor — smooth and quiet, but not lightning fast. It performs well for stills and video, though it can occasionally hunt in low light or during fast subject tracking.

The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, however, introduces Canon’s new VCM + Nano USM hybrid autofocus system, combining linear speed with silent precision. The result is near-instant AF, superb accuracy, and smoother transitions for video work.

Verdict:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Reliable for stills, modest AF for action.

• RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Ultra-fast, professional autofocus system.

---

🧠 Image Quality

Sharpness

Both lenses are very sharp, but the RF 35mm f/1.4L leads in micro-contrast, color rendering, and edge-to-edge sharpness, even wide open. The RF 35mm f/1.8 delivers impressive results for its price, but it softens slightly at the edges at f/1.8.

Bokeh

The difference between f/1.8 and f/1.4 might not sound huge on paper, but in practice, it’s noticeable. The RF 35mm f/1.4L produces creamier, more rounded bokeh with better subject separation, thanks to its 11-blade aperture and refined optics.

Color and Contrast

The L-series lens has superior coatings, producing richer colors and deeper contrast under challenging lighting. The RF 35mm f/1.8 tends to show more flare and slightly cooler tones in comparison.

Verdict:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Great sharpness and color for the price.

• RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Outstanding clarity, color depth, and bokeh.

---

🎥 Video Performance

The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is Canon’s first hybrid lens designed equally for stills and video — and it shows. It includes:

• Manual aperture control ring (de-clickable in future firmware)

• Reduced focus breathing

• Silent VCM motor

• High precision for cinematic AF pulls

The RF 35mm f/1.8, while great for vloggers and handheld shooting, lacks these pro video tools and exhibits noticeable breathing during focus shifts. However, its built-in image stabilization gives it an edge for handheld creators without IBIS-equipped cameras.

Verdict:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Best for lightweight hybrid shooters and vloggers.

• RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Professional-grade video lens for filmmakers and hybrid pros.

---

💰 Price and Value

–

The RF 35mm f/1.8 remains one of the best value lenses in Canon’s lineup — compact, stabilized, and capable of excellent image quality for under $500.

The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, though expensive, justifies its price for professionals. You get top-tier optics, weather sealing, faster autofocus, and video-ready controls that make it a true workhorse lens.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

---

🏁 Final Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?

–

✅ In short:

If you’re looking for a compact, stabilized, and affordable 35mm prime for everyday photography or travel — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is unbeatable for the price.

But if you’re a professional shooter or hybrid filmmaker who demands flawless autofocus, weather sealing, and cinematic image quality, the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is worth every penny.

---

💡 Pro tip:

If you already own an RF 35mm f/1.8 and shoot mostly stills, there’s no urgent need to upgrade. But if you’re building a professional hybrid setup — especially for video — the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is Canon’s new gold standard.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 versus RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM on Youtube:

Check out this video from 1 Minute Film School: