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Canon announces new 24mm and 50mm F1.4 lenses for RF-mount

Canon announces new 24mm and 50mm F1.4 lenses for RF-mount

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Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM front quarter view

RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM.

Image: Canon

Canon has announced two prime lenses: the RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM. Both lenses are part of its new 'hybrid' series of lenses designed to work with both EOS and Cinema EOS cameras.

According to Canon, the new lenses are aimed at users who need to switch between photo and video frequently or quickly, including professional shooters, journalists and in-house production creators.

Both lenses are intended to match Canon's previously announced RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM. All three lenses share the same design and have a unified exterior with the same dimensions, at 77mm (3.0") in diameter and 99mm (3.9") long. They're also very close in weight, ranging from 515g (1.1 lbs.) for the 24mm lens to 580g (1.3 lbs.) for the 50mm lens. The 35mm lens sits in the middle at 555g (1.2 lbs.)

Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM view with front element

RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM.

Image: Canon

In principle, the matched size, control layout, and similar weights should make it much easier for video shooters to use the lenses on a video rig or gimbal without requiring adjustments with each lens change.

Other common lens features include an iris ring for controlling aperture while shooting (compatible with the EOS R5 II and EOS R1), customizable control and focus rings, a lens function button, and a 67mm filter thread.

Optically, the 24mm F1.4 comprises 15 elements in 11 groups, including two UD and one aspherical element. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.24m (9.4") and a maximum magnification of 0.17x. Canon says it should be a good lens for astrophotography, delivering sharp corners and stars without distortion.

The 50mm F1.4's design is made up from 14 elements in 11 groups, including one UD and two aspherical lenses. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.4m (15.7") and a maximum magnification of 0.15x.

Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM  mounted on EOS R5 II

RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM mounted on the EOS R5 II.

Image: Canon

Both lenses include Canon's Air Sphere Coating, Super Spectra Coating and a fluorine-coated front element. The wide-angle 24mm F1.4 also includes Canon's Sub Wavelength Coating for controlling internal reflections from light approaching with a high angle of incidence.

Canon claims both lenses will deliver fast, quiet and precise autofocus thanks to a combination of VCM and Nano USM motors. Their independently-driven twin focus group designs also allow the lens to achieve minimal focus breathing for video work.

Price and availability

The RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM are expected to be available in December. The RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM has a suggested retail price of $1499, and the RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM has a suggested retail price of $1399.

For additional information, please see Canon's press release.

RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM & RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM specifications

 Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCMCanon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM
Principal specifications
Lens typePrime lens
Max Format size35mm FF
Focal length24 mm50 mm
Image stabilizationNo
Lens mountCanon RF
Aperture
Maximum apertureF1.4
Minimum apertureF16
Aperture ringYes
Number of diaphragm blades11
Optics
Elements1514
Groups11
Special elements / coatings2 UD, 1 aspherical, Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), fluorine coating1 UD, 2 aspherical, Canon ASC (Air Sphere Coating), fluorine coating
Focus
Minimum focus0.24 m (9.45)0.40 m (15.75)
Maximum magnification0.17×0.15×
AutofocusYes
Motor typeLinear Motor
Full time manualYes
Focus methodInternal
Distance scaleNo
DoF scaleNo
Physical
Weight515 g (1.14 lb)580 g (1.28 lb)
Diameter77 mm (3.01)
Length99 mm (3.91)
Filter thread67 mm
Hood suppliedYes
Tripod collarNo