Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black

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 ErgonomicsStarting 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 QualityWhat 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 CapabilityThe 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.AutofocusThe 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.ComparisonWhen 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 ExperienceI’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 ThoughtsThe 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.

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.

Image Quality:Images from the lens are very sharp and as this lens has aperture of F1.8, it can produce images with subject in good focus and other areas blurred out. Took some photos of water fountain lights at night, there is some lens flare which is significant than other lens I have (Canon EF 50mm, Sigma APSC lens for Canon). However I don't take much photos at night with bright lights in front so it is less concerning.Video:Lens do make some sound while focusing in photo mode, but in video mode it has almost no focusing sound which is good as it won't be recorded in video. Video quality is as good as the photos.Packaging:I would give 1 star to packaging. Lens box came in a plastic package which usually is good only for lighter and less sensitive products. As box was in plastic bag only, corner of the box were all damaged. Even $10 USB cable comes in sealed box and $400 lens was in box without seal which made it difficult to be confident that I'm getting new lens.Return Timeline:As I found this lens as lower price in Amazon itself, I returned the initially purchased lens. However it has been 7 days since Amazon received the lens I returned, still they haven't refunded. For faster refund I did select refund to go to balance in Amazon account, it didn't help at all as they haven't initiated the refund. While chatting with customer service, they said any item of value greater than $300 can take upto 30 days to get refund. For lens and photography gears, I believe buying from physical store will be best as in case you have to return, you can just take it back and have the associates scan rather than having to ship it back and wait for refund to be processed.