Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Lens Review

Today, we’re going to take a look at the new RF 35mm lens from Canon. I had an opportunity to test this lens out with Canon’s EOS r6 and was very impressed. Now, Canon has always been known for having fantastic glass, and this lens is no different. This is the most budget friendly lens that I have had a chance to use with the RF platform so far, but its quality is absolutely fantastic. You can check the lens out here: https://jerad.link/rf35mmf19stm 

Lens Overview

At 35mm, this prime lens is a great focal length to capture pretty much anything. It’s also a macro lens, which means it can hold its focus while being very close to the subject. The RF 35mm only costs $500, making it the least expensive lens in the RF lineup. The build quality is solid, and it feels like a premium lens, even at a lower price point. 

The 35mm comes with two rings, which is synonymous with the other RF lenses that I’ve had a chance to use. The first ring is pretty standard and controls the camera’s focus. The second right though, is actually programmable and can be mapped to do a variety of things. This is actually a really cool feature that I haven’t seen on many lenses. I chose to map the second ring to control the ISO, allowing me to make exposure adjustments without needing to stop what I’m looking at and make adjustments on the camera itself. I’ve heard from other people who prefer to map that ring to adjust the aperture instead of the ISO. Its programmability really pushes this lens to an even higher quality.

Finally, the RF 35mm has two switches on its side. One switch controls the internal lens stabilization and the other allows you to switch back and forth between auto focus and manual focus. 

Now, a lot of lenses aren’t offering stabilization anymore since the in body stabilization in cameras are improving, so this extra stabilization is a welcome feature. 

The one thing I don’t love is that the control clicks as you use it, and unfortunately, there is no way to turn that click off. This isn’t a huge deal, but it does bother me a bit. As a video shooter, I always prefer for my camera and lens to be as quiet as possible. Another important thing to note is that the end of the lens actually protrudes a bit as you change the focus. I suggest adding a protective filter on the end to ensure that you don’t accidentally scrape the glass trying to focus on a macro subject. 

Nonetheless, I still absolutely love using this lens. It’s small, compact and still manages to pack quite a punch when it comes to quality. 

Performance

The performance of this lens is pretty fantastic. I really appreciated the ability to go from f1.8 to f22 on a lens this small. That’s a massive range for such a small device and it really helps to ensure that I can go out and shoot in just about any lighting situation without an issue. Likewise, the 1.8 aperture is great for capturing that nice shallow depth of field. Here are just a few examples of some of the images I was able to capture with this lens. 

I also noticed that this lens is able to capture focus extremely quick, even in low light situations. 

Is the RF 35mm a Good Option for you? 

At such a low price point, this lens is a great option for anyone who is looking for a somewhat wider angle lens, while being able to also capture macro images as well. The performance was fast and smooth, and the image quality was fantastic all the way around, even at the edges. I noticed some slight distortion at the edges, but that is an easily fixable problem in Lightroom. A single click of a button will correct your image, so it’s not a huge deal. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something to add to your camera bag without breaking the bank, this lens is going to be a great option for you. It provides a ton of value without requiring you to sell a kidney in order to afford it. If you’re interested, you can check it out here: https://jerad.link/rf35mmf19stm

Also, don’t forget to check out these videos on other lenses and the Canon EOS r6 on the Gear and Light YouTube channel: