Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens Officially Announced

Canon has officially announced the RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens, a pioneering hybrid lens designed for both still photography and video, along with the new Speedlite EL-10, which enhances portrait photography with controllable lighting.

Pre-order links:

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens at B&H, Adorama.

Canon Speedlite EL-10 at B&H, Adorama.

Introducing the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM

This innovative hybrid lens offers creatives the versatility to achieve new levels of artistry in both stills and video. As a part of Canon’s expanding lineup, this unique lens functions like two in one, being the only RF prime lens with a dedicated iris control ring specifically for video. Its 11-blade aperture allows for smooth bokeh, separating the subject from the background or foreground, and minimal focus breathing helps videographers avoid visual distractions when changing focus. Whether shooting a wedding or a street documentary, this lens ensures a seamless experience across both mediums.

In any setting or environment, the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM meets diverse creative needs. Its 35mm focal length is ideal for wide-angle shots, whether capturing a group at an event or taking reportage-style photos on the street. The f/1.4 aperture provides excellent depth of field control, ensuring impressive performance even in low light, such as during the golden hour or nighttime events. Additionally, the lens supports both front and rear filters, offering more creative possibilities.

Designed for photojournalists and content creators, the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM ensures you won’t miss a fleeting moment. The fast Nano USM, combined with the even faster Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology, delivers quick and precise focusing, perfect for capturing fast-paced subjects like children or pets, or for smooth video recording. The dedicated Lens Control Ring and customizable Lens Function Button enable photographers and videographers to stay immersed in the action while adjusting settings.

For those shooting in challenging environments, the L-series design housing is reliable. A fluorine coating keeps dirt and sand off the front element, and its lighter design makes long shooting sessions comfortable. With aspheric and UD lens elements, plus Super Spectra and ASC coatings, users can expect crystal-clear images free from flare and ghosting, even in bright sunlight.

The Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM is expected to be available in June at an estimated retail price of $1,499. It includes a case, lens cap, dust cap and lens hood.

Introducing the Canon Speedlite EL-10

Canon has also introduced the new Speedlite EL-10, a lightweight, compact, and affordable addition to the EL range, designed to boost photographers’ creativity. With a category-leading 1.5-second recharge time, the Speedlite EL-10 seamlessly integrates features like linked custom modes and remote flash control.

The multifunction shoe interface enhances communication, making the shooting experience smoother and easier. Linked custom shooting modes adapt to changing scenarios, such as shifting from sunlight to shadow or varying color tones during fashion shoots. Settings can be remotely adjusted through the Camera Connect smartphone app, ensuring coordinated responses between the camera and Speedlite.

With 24-105mm zoom coverage and a versatile power range, the Speedlite EL-10 empowers aspiring content creators to control their lighting, adding a professional touch to their images. Whether emphasizing a glint in a subject’s eye or creating a moody portrait with soft flash, the lightweight (284g) Speedlite EL-10, powered by four AA batteries, is perfect for everyday use.

Through the versatility, flexibility, and seamless functionality of both the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM and Speedlite EL-10, Canon continues to support content creators in pushing the boundaries of their creativity. Demonstrating a commitment to expanding the professional RF lens range, Canon confirms the development of additional L series zoom and prime lenses with iris rings and size uniformity, all sharing the same hybrid stills/video concept as the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM.

Press release:

CANON ANNOUNCES FIRST LENS IN SERIES OF FIXED FOCAL LENGTH RF HYBRID LENSES – RF35MM F1.4L VCM

New Portable Speedlite with New Multi-Function Shoe Design Also Available

MELVILLE, N.Y., – June 5, 2024 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens and Speedlite EL-10 flash. The new RF35mm lens is the first in a series of fixed focal length RF lenses with hybrid video and still design, and the Speedlite EL-10 integrates with Canon’s new multi-function shoe design, for users of recent Canon EOS cameras.

Answering the needs of many professional high-level photographers, the new RF35m F1.4 L VCM lens can be looked upon as a standard lens for video and still users — for example, those who use the EOS R5 and EOS C70 cameras. This lens is the beginning of a new hybrid lens series and with its fixed focal length, fills a gap as there is not a fixed focal length lens wider than 50mm in the L-series — until now. Ideal for low-light, the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens features a manual iris (aperture) ring which helps provide better control when shooting movies.

The lens allows very little focus “breathing” as focus is moved, and it’s highlighted by two Aspherical lens elements and two ultra-low Dispersion glass elements. Overall, this lens has the outstanding L-series optical design many professionals have grown accustomed to. In addition, the lens can be used with the newly announced Canon EOS C400 cinema camera, further reinforcing Canon’s full support of the video market.

“The new RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is the answer for high-level video in the mirrorless market – while also providing still-imaging storytellers the durability and optical performance that is synonymous with Canon lenses,” said Brian Mahar, senior vice president & general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

The Speedlite EL-10 flash is designed for the amateur photographer who is stepping into the mirrorless world, and the veteran user who is looking to get reacquainted with flash photography.

The multi-function shoe helps the still imagery storyteller by providing immediate access to the flash control menu, and either an on-camera EL-10 or the optional super-compact Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 assists with triggering from one through up to fifteen off-camera flashes2.

The Speedlite EL-10 is a radio-based wireless flash with 2nd-curtain sync capabilities, and leverages four AA batteries instead of a separate battery that requires charging — making operation more streamlined for some users. In addition, it features a Custom Flash Mode function, allowing the end-user to register and store up to three sets of flash settings, and is approximately the same size and weight as its predecessor the Speedlite 430EX-III RT — while also pushing out the same amount of power. Automatic balanced fill flash is a key benefit to using flash photography, whether during daytime or low-light with slow shutter speed, and the Speedlite EL-10 is an excellent gear bag addition to achieve that creative look in one’s photos.

“Flash photography is a simple yet versatile way to add drama to one’s photos and with Canon’s steadfast commitment to reliability, the Speedlite EL-10 provides a full-circle Canon shooting experience,” continued Brian Mahar, senior vice president & general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Price & Availability

RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is expected to be available in June for an estimated retail piece of $1,499.00 and the Speedlite EL-10 is also expected to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $249.99*.