Worth the Upgrade? Canon RF35mm F/1.4L VCM Lens Compared to the Canon RF35mm F/1.8 IS STM

Рет қаралды 8,181

19 күн бұрын

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!
To view my written review, visit our blog post here:
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Пікірлер: 90

@salvamando1 18 күн бұрын

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!

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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!

@toodarnnice 16 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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!

@sebastianreiprich3747 17 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Haha! Best comment! I used to watch so much DBZ!

@NoSuRReNDeR001 18 күн бұрын

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

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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.

@RubenEASalas Күн бұрын

Excellent video!!! Thanks for all the comparison.

@sanjayfgupta2167 16 күн бұрын

Nice review. But the best part is your sweet daughter. God bless her!

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

😊 thank you!

@thegreenes2005 17 күн бұрын

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!!!

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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!

@dogstoryteller 17 күн бұрын

Thank you Shane! Fantastic review🎉

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

You bet!

@0ecka 16 күн бұрын

Thank you for a real world comparison review. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="836">13:56</a> 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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Exactly! This lens definitely has smoother bokeh and is more sharp. I really like the look of the photos!

@samarianosans 17 күн бұрын

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

@breathLP 17 күн бұрын

The thing is, at 35mm you do not need OIS if you have a body with IBIS, it is as effective.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

"sharpie combo" :)

@NoXyyyyyyy 16 күн бұрын

Thank you for this video!

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@mousbleu 15 күн бұрын

Thanks a lot for the comparaison. Would have loved to see the same video from a videomaker point of view.

@mousbleu 15 күн бұрын

And glad to see a review by someone who actually uses the gear :).

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

You bet! I am sure some video person out there will make a review!

@patricioderito3722 18 күн бұрын

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.

@michalis1121 18 күн бұрын

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.

@m4jqp 18 күн бұрын

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?

@kelb89 17 күн бұрын

@@m4jqp Interesting. In what way is it better optically?

@michalis1121 17 күн бұрын

@@m4jqp Agreed, I just feel like the price is unjustified. It should be much lower.

@patricioderito3722 11 күн бұрын

@@m4jqp Thanks for the reply. I'd like to know why you think the EF version is optically better.

@EastCoastDigs 16 күн бұрын

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

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nsqcl7elt6_YZXk.html

@TerraThink 17 күн бұрын

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 KZfaq compression. But I'm wondering about the lens rattle? You didn't mention it all?

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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!

@bokehbeauty 17 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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.

@DavidWagelmans 17 күн бұрын

Great review 😊

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@followingjesus6034 18 күн бұрын

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

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Thanks! So much pop in the 1.4! Hope you get one someday!

@ShawnLPorterPhotography 18 күн бұрын

Great detailed video.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Appreciate that!

@thelookoflifefilms 17 күн бұрын

Great review as tempting as it is to buy the 1.4 the 1.8 makes much more sense to me

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Have fun with that 1.8!

@thelookoflifefilms 4 сағат бұрын

@@ShaneLongPhotography Well I rented the 35 1.4 for two days and then bought it!

@m4jqp 18 күн бұрын

Shane! Been waiting for this one. BRB watching vid.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Thanks for following along!

@markparris5255 18 күн бұрын

Thank you

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

You bet!

@matthewbrears2129 16 күн бұрын

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

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

That is an important factor to consider what aspects pair best with your editing style!

@aron2922 18 күн бұрын

Pricing this at 1900 euros is just extorting their customers using their monopoly. Sony's option is 1500 and is even a better lens than this.

@mbismbismb 17 күн бұрын

But sony colours is ugly 😅

@aron2922 17 күн бұрын

@@mbismbismb I was looking to upgrade my old dslr setup but I'm finding myself wanting the canon R5 series but satisfied with next to no lenses. Maybe the 28-70 but that's just ridiculous at 3600 euros for a hobbyist.

@mbismbismb 17 күн бұрын

@@aron2922 u can adapt ef lens anytime and get basically any lens u can possibly imagine even the sony bodies use adaptor to use ef lens

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Appreciate you thoughts! Not being a Sony customer, I can't speak to their offerings. That said, for me in the USA, I thought the pricing was better than expected for the quality of the lens!

@thor9722 17 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Good analysis! Nice now that we have some options!

@tom_k_d 18 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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!

@tom_k_d 2 күн бұрын

@@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.

@mase202 16 күн бұрын

Awesome video! Can you please tell me what auto focus setting used on your daughter while swinging? Great shot. Thanks

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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!

@Tudorguy-zw1ik 18 күн бұрын

Hello mate…..it’s been so looooong since your last video

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

Hello! Busy with life! And truthfully just haven't needed to buy any new gear so nothing new to review :)

@kelb89 18 күн бұрын

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?

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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.

@marcusavanti902 18 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

I too am excited to see if those patents become a reality!

@alvarops4377 18 күн бұрын

Hi Shane, what is your opinion on the rattling? or are there other people who can give their opinion on this? Thnx

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

@gregkiserphotography 17 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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!

@gregkiserphotography 2 күн бұрын

@@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.

@grumblewoof4721 15 күн бұрын

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.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

You are wise! Cost is an important factor, especially if photography isn't your main source if income!

@TheMrKonov 15 күн бұрын

Should I replace my ef 35 II to this lens

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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.

@Maximilan20 4 күн бұрын

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.

@aranelchan 4 күн бұрын

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).

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

That's what its all about! Having different tools to meet different needs! My bag too had different lenses in it throughout the day.

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

You are right that the AF is certainly quicker!

@jimsimonetti2929 6 күн бұрын

If money wasn't an option would you buy the 50 1.2 over this?

@ShaneLongPhotography 2 күн бұрын

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.