RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras

I bought this lens used over Amazon at a savings of nearly $150 from the retail price. This is an excellent lens for a beginner on a budget like me trying to dig in and learn as much as I can about photography as quickly as I can (getting ready for the birth of my son preparing to take lots of pictures of him), while using the RF platform on the Canon EOS RP. Since the EOS RP lacks "in body image stabilization" (IBIS), this lens is a must have for someone just getting started with the RP or the R since it has image stabilization built in - that gives a needed advantage for low-light situations as well as handheld video recording. Considering how wide this focal length is (similar to the focal length of the main camera [*correction* - selfie camera] on an iPhone), it has an amazing level of bokeh - way beyond anything your phone's main camera could produce naturally. The fact that it can do macro photography as well is just fantastic, though you won't have the versatility you would have with a longer focal length like a 100mm macro lens (the Canon RF and EF mount 100mm macro lens is a beast, but at a price almost 3x that of this 35mm lens). The photo I included here of the lady bug was the best one I could take after taking multiple photos because the 35mm focal length requires getting very close to a subject you are trying to do macro photography work with. With something that is moving quickly but small, or which could get spooked by a shadow, a longer focal length would be better. This lens can be used for portraits, but in my experience the 50mm rf lens, even though it is not image stabilized, is a much better option. I started out just with the EOS RP and the 50mm RF lens, but realized very quickly that I needed a wider focal length, macro capability, and image stabilization. This lens delivers all of these features with excellence. That said, having it and using it also convinced me that I will need an 85mm eventually as well. I hope to eventually add the 85mm rf lens to my collection, which by my research would be even better for portraits, but the 35mm is still great if you're dealing with more than one person. For those debating on getting a kit lens versus a lens like this prime 35mm rf or the prime 50mm rf lens, I strongly suggest you go with a prime lens first - though you lose the option of a variable focal length in a single lens, you gain a wider maximum aperture (f/1.8), and in this case, macro capability. Having both of these features in your first or second lens makes a HUGE difference.The limitations you have with a single focal length forces you to become a better photographer (thinking about composition, staging, making you more willing to learn how to use manual photography features), and besides, with a camera like the EOS RP you can always crop in closer when you have 26 megapixels to work with. Years ago I had a Canon Rebel T7i with a kit lens and eventually sold it. I recently compared the photos I took with that setup versus the ones I have taken with the EOS RP and the RF 35mm lens, and there is no contest. The 35mm prime on the RP beats anything I took with that other setup with a prime lens every time.

The Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens is nothing short of a masterpiece. As a photography aficionado who has been through a wide array of lenses over the years, I find that this lens has a perfect blend of versatility, build quality, and performance. It has exceeded my expectations in numerous ways, thus deserving a 5-star rating. Build and Ergonomics Starting with the build, Canon doesn’t disappoint. The lens is constructed with high-quality materials that offer a premium, sturdy feel. The focus ring is exceptionally smooth, allowing for precise control. It’s compact and lightweight, which is a huge plus for those who travel or shoot for extended periods. Image Quality What truly stands out is the image quality this lens produces. The sharpness is exceptional, even wide open at f/1.8. The lens captures exquisite detail and delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors. The bokeh is buttery smooth, providing that professional look we all strive for in our photographs. Macro Capability The macro functionality is perhaps the most surprising and delightful feature. It opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities, from capturing the intricate details of a flower to intricate food photography. This is not just a lens; it’s a versatile tool for artistic expression. Autofocus The STM (Stepping Motor) technology ensures that autofocus is swift, silent, and accurate. Whether I’m shooting portraits, landscapes, or close-up macro shots, the focus has been reliably on point, contributing to a more efficient workflow. Pros: 1. Stellar Image Quality: Exceptional sharpness, vibrant colors, and beautiful bokeh. 2. Macro Functionality: Adds a new layer of versatility and creativity. 3. Quick and Silent Autofocus: Efficient and unobtrusive, ideal for both photography and videography. 4. Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry, making it a great travel companion. 5. Build Quality: Robust and premium, built to last. Cons: Honestly, it’s challenging to find any significant faults with this lens, which speaks volumes about its quality and performance. Comparison When compared to lenses like the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM for Canon, the Canon RF35mm F1.8 offers the added advantage of macro capabilities and the benefits of the RF mount. While Sigma’s lens is excellent in its own right, the versatility and integration of the Canon lens make it a superior choice for those invested in the Canon ecosystem. Usage Experience I’ve used this lens extensively for various types of photography: portraits, landscapes, macro, and even some video work. It has performed exceptionally well across the board. From studio settings to outdoor environments, this lens has proven itself to be a reliable and high-performing piece of equipment. Final Thoughts The Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens is a stellar piece of optical engineering, perfect for both professionals and hobbyists. It combines incredible image quality with versatile features like macro capability and fast, silent autofocus. It represents not just an incremental improvement, but a significant leap forward in what one can expect from a 35mm lens. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, versatile lens, this should be at the top of your list. Thank you for taking the time to read this comprehensive review. I hope it provides the detailed insights you need to make an informed decision.

This lens has been perfect for me as a beginner. Image quality is great. The autofocus can be a bit quirky at times, but it's manageable once you get used to it. Highly recommend for anyone starting out with Canon - you can't beat the value!

This 35mm lens has quickly become my go-to for portraits and close-up photography. It pairs perfectly with my Canon EOS RP and clicks into place with ease, making attachment and detachment quick and simple. What truly sets this lens apart is its lower f-stop of 1.8. My previous lens had a minimum f-stop of 4, so I would often find myself spending extra time in Lightroom, masking areas to create that desired blur. With this lens, I get that beautiful, natural bokeh effect straight out of the camera. No more wasted time editing! The images are crisp, and the subject isolation is just stunning. Overall, this lens has enhanced my workflow and the quality of my photos. If you're looking for a versatile lens that delivers professional-quality results with ease, I highly recommend this 35mm lens.

This lens is absolutely stunning. I originally got it for filming YouTube videos for the highest quality I could get because I don’t know much about lens but wow I took some photos with it and this lens is amazing. This is straight off the camera with no editing.

I absolutely love this lens! The Canon RF35mm F1.8 quickly became one of my favorites. It’s incredibly sharp, lightweight, and works beautifully in all kinds of situations — portraits, close-ups, everyday photos, and low-light shots. The macro capability is a huge bonus, and the autofocus is fast and accurate. I was impressed from the first test images. Colors look amazing, the bokeh is smooth, and the lens feels great on the camera. For the price, the performance is outstanding. Highly recommended!

I absolutely love this lens. It is most assuredly worth the money even though it is more than I ever expected to spend on one. I have been on this content creation journey for a year now and I have learned a lot and I truly know the real value of a great camera lens especially one with Auto Focus. Lol. It used to take a while to set up and get the camera just right with a manual lens. I have filmed mostly in hotels with my job taking me away from home, a lot. Now the time is cut in half and I love it. I don't mind that I had to sell a gallon of blood to afford this little gem. Lol. JK! Anyways it is amazing and ChatGPT was correct in its suggestion.

Update ~3 weeks 6/11/23 +1 star I don't write roller-coaster reviews like this but this lens has been unique. TLDR - Optical quality top notch, L grade ; AF issues exist ; high copy-to-copy variation in AF precision/repeatability and hunting. About 400 pics later, i changed my mind i'm keeping this lens. Maybe there are better copies out there but i'm a bit tired of returning. Yes it has some AF issues but it has excellent optics - sharpness, contrast, bokeh match other L lenses i have used, IS is very very good (see R7 wide open Nasturtium full image and the tiny ant at 200% magnification - shot into the setting sun). I'll work within the limitations and use MF for critical work. It is a no-go for astro photography or wide-open night time landscapes, barely useful for fast moving subjects. Video AF works good (not great) it will struggle keeping up with kids moving fast. Wide open there is significant purple fringing at high contrast edges. Update +2 weeks 6/7/23 -2 stars Definitely has a slight focus precision issue (i.e. repeatability not accuracy, it is accurate on average) which shows the most at infinity, wide-open. See two photos, both at f/1.8 on a R7 one is slightly blurrier. It's not a very big deal, as this only shows up at 100% magnification. MF works ok, no issues. I think the focusing STM mechanism has a positioning issue where the elements move very slightly after the focus confirmation due to inertia or play - sloppy engineering. Canon should re-design this lens. I'm probably returning this in a few days (for the second time)- disappointing. Original Review 5 stars The first copy i got from Amazon had a significant front-focus issue - when focused on a person's eye the picture would end up looking sharp at the nose and soft at the eye, it was noticeable even at normal magnification. The problem was worse in Servo AF where the lens also exhibited rapid, micro focus hunting even with a fixed camera adn fixed subject. The issue was present equally with a R6 and R7, so it was not the body. Movie focus was good, no issues. The image quality was great in areas that were in focus, only those were not the areas i wanted in focus. :) . So i returned that one to Amazon and bought a second copy. The second one did not exhibit the focus shift, it also was not focus hunting like crazy. This copy focuses quite accurately and moderately fast, it's almost on par with the RF 50 1.8 STM but nowhere near as good as the RF 24-105 f4. Images are very sharp and contrasty even wide open, IQ is as good or better than the RF 24 105 L and definitely better than the RF 50 1.8. Image stabilizer works very well. Bokeh is very soft. Overall i recommend this lens but not for fast moving kids or sports - the AF won't keep up well.

Great lens. Good price

Un lente muy bueno para comenzar a subir de nivel, encontré su punto dulce en 2.8 - 3.2 un lente favorable para trabajar en sociales.

"A Surprisingly Versatile Little Workhorse" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I picked up the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 as a walkaround lens for my EOS R, and honestly, it’s blown me away. I wasn’t expecting to love it this much, but here we are. Sharp, Even Wide Open Images are crisp even at f/1.8, and that wide aperture gives a lovely depth of field. Great for portraits or low-light street shots. It’s not “L” glass, but the sharpness and contrast are genuinely impressive. Macro is a Bonus, Not a Gimmick The 0.5x macro capability is something I didn’t think I’d use much — until I did. It's great for capturing detail in flowers, food shots, even textures. You can get surprisingly close to your subject, and the results look professional. Lightweight but Not Cheap The build is solid for its price point. It’s plasticky, sure, but doesn’t feel flimsy. The size and weight are perfect for travel — throw it in your bag and go. Silent Focusing The STM motor is super quiet and pretty quick. Perfect for video work or discreet shooting in quiet environments. You won't wake the baby or scare off wildlife with this thing. The Only Con? No weather sealing. I wouldn’t take it out in a downpour, but for everything else, it’s handled beautifully. If you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly RF prime that punches way above its weight, this lens is a gem. It rarely leaves my camera these days.

解像度はとても良いと思います。 ハーフマクロも便利です。

Super fast delivery and nice lens for snapshot!