Canon kicks off new “hybrid” AF lens line with the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM

Canon is launching a new lens series today. They’re kicking it off with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM lens ($1,499). The new lenses feature a hybrid AF system combining a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) with a high-powered linear AF motor.

Canon says this full-frame lens is a completely new design and isn’t based on previous EF mount 35mm f/1.4 lenses. It’s targeted at both photographers and filmmakers and features a newly designed rear filter holder.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM – A new hybrid AF drive

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is the first in a new line of lenses. It contains two different focus motors. One is a Voice Coil Motor – a first for Canon – while the other is a high-power linear autofocus motor.

The two work together to produce the fastest autofocus possible. This hybrid AF setup is due to four heavy elements that need to move very quickly. The USM linear motor actually only moves a single one of those elements, while the VCM deals with the rest.

Exactly what lenses may join the 35mm f/1.4 in a future VCM lens lineup is unknown. I think, though, that we can probably expect the usual range of 24mm, 50mm and 85mm primes, along with perhaps a longer telephoto around 105mm. Canon might go the other way instead, though, and do an ultrawide.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. But, when they come, they’ll be compatible with all your RF Mount mirrorless cameras and cinema cameras, including the new Canon EOS C400.

A new type of rear filter holder

Other than the entirely new design and hybrid autofocus motor setup, one other feature of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM stands out. It features a rear filter holder. But it’s not your usual rear filter holder setup.

Typically, with rear filter holders, you slide a cut piece of gel into a mount fixed to the back of the lens. With this lens, the rear filter holder is actually detachable from the lens. This allows you to cut and place filters more easily without risking dirtying up your rear lens element.

It’s an interesting design. Canon didn’t state in their press release if it would be available to purchase separately, so DIYP reached out to them to find out. Unfortunately, it’s bad news. It won’t be available as a separate accessory, so don’t lose it.

Hopefully, this will change in the future. For many photographers, having several rear filter holders ready to go during a shoot would mean less downtime. You can just pull out the holder and slot in a new one with your already-prepared filter.

For now, though, it is not to be.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM Specs

Focal Length	35mm
Maximum Aperture	f/1.4
Minimum Aperture	f/16
Lens Mount	Canon RF
Format Compatibility	Full Frame
Angle of View	63°
Maximum Magnification	0.18x
Minimum Focus Distance	28cm
Optical Design	14 elements in 11 groups
Diaphragm Blades	11
Focus Type	Autofocus
Image Stabilization	No
Filter Size	67mm
Dimensions (ø x L)	76.5 x 99.3mm
Weight	555g

Price and Availability

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is available to pre-order now for $1,499 and begins shipping this month.