Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black
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AI Verdict
This 10.8-ounce 35mm f/1.8 macro lens delivers sharp images and 0.5x magnification, making it a solid pick for Canon RF users on a budget.
This lens is a strong fit for Canon RF system users who need a lightweight, bright prime with macro capabilities without breaking the bank. Its 10.8-ounce weight and f/1.8 aperture make it ideal for everyday shooting and low-light scenarios, while the 0.5x magnification adds significant versatility for close-up work.
If you need true 1:1 macro magnification or superior build quality with weather sealing, look for a dedicated L-series macro lens with a longer focal length.
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Pros
- Produces super-sharp images across the entire frame, even at f/1.8.
- Weighs only 10.8 ounces, making it very light and compact for daily carry.
- Offers a bright f/1.8 aperture, providing great low-light capabilities and subject separation.
- Features Optical Image Stabilization rated at up to 5 stops of shake correction, effective for handheld shooting.
- Achieves 0.5x magnification with a minimum focusing distance of 0.56 ft. (0.17M), allowing for detailed close-up shots.
- Includes a customizable control ring for direct setting changes like ISO or aperture.
Cons
- Autofocus can be noisy, especially when hunting in low light, and slower for video focus pulls.
- Requires getting very close to the subject for maximum 0.5x macro magnification, potentially blocking light.
- The electronic focus ring rotates slowly, requiring multiple turns to go from infinity to minimum focus.
- Lacks weather and fluorine protection, unlike L-series lenses.
- Image stabilization is less effective for macro shots, with users reporting blur below 1/80 second handheld.
Dimension Scores
Users consistently report super-sharp images across the entire frame, even when shot wide-open at f/1.8, delivering detailed photos.
Autofocus is quick and accurate for stills, even in dark conditions, but it can be noisy and slower for video or when hunting for focus.
The STM autofocus provides smooth transitions for video, and optical image stabilization is beneficial, though focus pulls can be slower than ideal.
Weighing only 10.8 ounces and having a small form factor, this lens is exceptionally light and compact, making it ideal for travel and everyday carry.
Best For
- Travel and street photography due to its compact size and versatile 35mm focal length.
- Low-light photography, leveraging the f/1.8 aperture and 5-stop image stabilization.
- Capturing detailed close-up images of small objects like coins or metalwork with its 0.5x macro capability.
- General walk-around photography for Canon EOS R series camera owners.
Not Recommended For
- Action photography where instantaneous and silent autofocus is critical.
- Users requiring 1:1 true macro magnification without extremely close working distances.
- Shooting in harsh weather conditions due to the absence of weather sealing.
Watch Out For
- The autofocus motor can be quite noisy, producing audible sounds in quiet environments, especially when hunting for focus.
- Achieving the 0.5x macro magnification requires a working distance of only 0.56 ft. (0.17M), which can lead to casting shadows on your subject.
- Dust has been reported by users to get into the space around the barrel of the element stack.
- The electronic focus ring's slow rotation means you'll make multiple turns to adjust from infinity to minimum focus, impacting speed.
- The optical image stabilization doesn't seem to help much with macro shots, with users struggling to get sharp handheld images below 1/80 second.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07H4SFG4G |
| Brand | Canon |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Item Weight | 10.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
| Item model number | 2973C002 |
| Product Dimensions | 2.9 x 2.9 x 2.5 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon RF |
| Camera Lens Description | Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black |
| Focal Length Description | 35 mm |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
What really stands out about this lens is how many users consider it a 'hidden gem' for the Canon RF system, often becoming their go-to lens despite not being an L-series. Many are genuinely surprised by its sharpness, even wide open, and its ability to perform well in low light. The macro capability, while not 1:1, is frequently praised for adding significant creative options for close-up work. However, the audible autofocus noise and the very short working distance for macro are recurring points of frustration for some users.
“Dude, this 35mm is on my camera like 80% of the time, it's so sharp and light, but man, that AF noise can be a real buzzkill when I'm trying to shoot video in a quiet room.”
Common Praise
- Images are super sharp across the entire frame, even at f/1.8.
- The lens is very light and compact, making it comfortable for extended use and travel.
- The f/1.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and pleasing background blur.
- The 0.5x macro magnification is fun to use and captures exceptional detail for small objects.
- The 5-stop optical image stabilization works effectively for handheld shooting.
- The customizable control ring is a practical feature for quick setting adjustments.
Common Complaints
- The autofocus motor produces noticeable noise, especially when focusing in quiet environments or during video recording.
- To achieve maximum 0.5x macro magnification, the working distance is extremely short (0.56 ft.), often causing the lens to block light from the subject.
- The electronic focus ring is slow to turn, requiring multiple rotations to adjust focus from one extreme to another.
- Some users have reported dust getting into the lens barrel.
- The image stabilization is not very effective for macro photography, making sharp handheld close-ups difficult below 1/80 second.
- The lens lacks weather sealing, limiting its use in adverse conditions.
Ownership Tips
- The lack of weather sealing means you'll be extra careful in dusty or damp environments, something you don't think about until you're out shooting.
- You'll quickly learn to work around the short macro working distance by adjusting your lighting or using external light sources.
- The control ring becomes second nature for quick ISO or aperture adjustments, making shooting much more fluid.
- While the AF is quick for stills, you might find yourself manually focusing more for video to avoid the motor noise.
- The compact size means it balances really well on smaller RF bodies like the R8 or RP, making it feel less front-heavy than some other RF lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lens good for low-light photography?
Yes, the f/1.8 aperture allows for significant light gathering, making it very capable in low-light conditions. Combined with 5-stop optical image stabilization, you can achieve proper exposures even at slower shutter speeds.
What kind of macro can this lens do?
It's a half-macro lens, offering a 0.5x magnification ratio. This means it can reproduce subjects at half their actual size on the sensor, which is great for detailed close-ups but not true 1:1 macro.
Is the autofocus fast and quiet?
For stills, the autofocus is generally quick and accurate. However, it can be audibly noisy, especially when hunting for focus in very quiet environments or during video recording.
Does this lens have weather sealing?
No, this lens does not feature weather or fluorine protection, which are typically found on Canon's L-series lenses.
Can I use this lens for portraits?
Yes, the 35mm focal length on a full-frame camera is suitable for environmental portraits, and the f/1.8 aperture allows for pleasant background blur and subject separation.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a prime lens like this, you're trading the flexibility of zoom for a wider aperture and often sharper images. The 35mm focal length is super versatile, acting like your eye's natural perspective, making it great for everything from street scenes to environmental portraits. The f/1.8 aperture is key for shooting in dim light and getting that creamy background blur, while the 'macro' part means you can get surprisingly close to small subjects, even if it's not a true 1:1 macro lens.
f/1.8 Aperture
0.5x Magnification Ratio
Optical Image Stabilization (5 stops)
STM (Stepping Motor) Autofocus
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't quite fit, consider a prime with a wider f-stop (like f/1.4 or f/1.2) for even better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, or a dedicated 1:1 macro lens for life-size close-ups with longer working distances.
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