Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens Review (By Opticallimits)

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Opticallimits (formerly Photozone)published the review of new Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens (tested on the 30.3MP Canon EOS R) saying that the new Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens may not be the sexiest lens around but it is capable of delivering very high-quality results.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens Key Features:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/22
  • Super Spectra Coating
  • STM Stepping AF Motor
  • 1:2 Max. Magnification, 6.7″ Min. Focus
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Conclusion from Opticallimits:

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 STM IS macro may not be the sexiest lens around but it is capable of delivering very high-quality results. Images are sharp in the center straight at f/1.8 and the corners are just marginally soft. There’s a substantial increase in quality at f/2.8 and the resolution is truly impressive medium aperture settings. Image distortions, as well as lateral CAs, are low. The same can’t be said about the native vignetting which is rather extreme at maximum aperture. However, auto-correction comes to the rescue so most users will probably just notice a slightly elevated light falloff at f/1.8. The bokeh is generally nicely rendered with a silky background blur and smooth out-of-focus highlights. The foreground blur is less ideal though. Bokeh fringing (LoCA) is present at large aperture settings but that’s hardly surprising. However, a more ugly effect are focus shifts when stopping down (RSA) which seems to have a negative impact on AF accuracy as well.

You can read the full review at Opticallimits.

$50 off on Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens: $449 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.