Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 and RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM Lenses Officially Announced

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Canon has officially announced two new prime lenses: the RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM. Part of Canon’s new ‘hybrid’ lens series, these lenses are designed to seamlessly support both EOS and Cinema EOS cameras. With these new additions, Canon is catering to photographers and videographers who need to switch between stills and video capture quickly and easily, targeting professionals, journalists, and in-house production teams who frequently work in both mediums.

Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens: $1,499 at B&H, Adorama.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens: $1,399 at B&H, Adorama.

These two lenses align with Canon’s earlier release, the RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM, completing a trio of prime lenses that share a cohesive design and set of specifications. Canon has maintained uniformity across these lenses in terms of exterior dimensions and weight, simplifying transitions for users who rely on multiple lenses. Each lens measures 77mm (3.0 inches) in diameter and 99mm (3.9 inches) in length, with weights that are closely matched: the RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM is the lightest at 515g (1.1 lbs.), the RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM weighs in at 580g (1.3 lbs.), and the RF 35mm lens sits in between at 555g (1.2 lbs.). This balanced design enables smoother lens changes on rigs or gimbals, reducing the need for time-consuming adjustments when switching between lenses.

Both new lenses are equipped with an iris ring for aperture control, which is compatible with Canon’s latest camera models, the EOS R5 II and EOS R1. They also feature customizable control and focus rings and include a dedicated lens function button, all intended to offer comprehensive manual control. Additionally, a 67mm filter thread ensures compatibility with widely available filter options, adding flexibility for creative shooting setups.

From an optical perspective, the RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM consists of 15 elements in 11 groups, including two UD (ultra-low dispersion) and one aspherical element, contributing to its minimal distortion and sharp image quality, especially suitable for astrophotography. It also has a close focusing distance of 0.24m (9.4 inches) and a maximum magnification of 0.17x, making it a strong choice for wide-angle close-up work. Meanwhile, the RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM features a 14-element, 11-group configuration, including one UD and two aspherical lenses, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m (15.7 inches) and a maximum magnification of 0.15x. Both lenses include Canon’s advanced coatings, such as Air Sphere Coating and Super Spectra Coating, to minimize flare and ghosting, as well as a fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning and protection.

Canon also emphasizes the fast, quiet, and precise autofocus capabilities of these lenses, achieved through a combination of VCM (Voice Coil Motor) and Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor) technology. The twin focus group design further minimizes focus breathing, which is crucial for professional video work, where smooth, accurate focusing is essential.

Both lenses will be available in December, with the RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM priced at $1,499 and the RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM at $1,399. With these lenses, Canon is enhancing its range for professionals who need versatile, high-quality lenses suitable for both still and video applications.