Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review

The Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens was announced, with an expected ship date of April 28, 2025. Here are the expectations for this lens:

The RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM is Canon's first 20mm L lens and first 20mm prime with an f/1.4 aperture. That long-awaited, super useful ultra-wide-angle focal length and extreme-wide aperture combination relieves a pent-up demand, especially from night sky photographers chasing the Milky Way and Northern Lights and delivers a look not previously available from a Canon lens.

This lens is the fourth in the series of RF F1.4 L VCM primes, with the predecessors setting clear high expectations of what is coming. This relatively compact lens's "L" nameplate assures high quality build and high optical performance, the VCM plus nano USM AF system provides extremely fast, smooth, and quiet operation, and the manual aperture ring further facilitates hybrid use.

Focal Length

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The focal length (or the focal length range for a zoom lens) is the first attribute to consider for lens selection. Focal length drives subject distance choices, which determine perspective.

The ultra-wide 20mm focal length is an excellent choice for landscape and nightscape photography. I plan to use this lens for astrophotography, primarily for the Milky Way and Northern Lights.

Wedding and event photography often utilizes a wide-angle lens for capturing the large scene, for environmental-type portraits, and for group portraits, including in tight spaces. Even groups of your largest subjects will fit in the frame.

Photojournalists' needs are often like those of a wedding photographer and regularly include 20mm. Videographers will find creative use of the 20mm focal length and the unique look it creates.

Architectural photography, large product photography, interior photography, and birthday parties form a random list of 20mm uses.

While telephoto lenses are more frequently used for sports, a 20mm angle of view allows a different perspective at these events. This focal length can be used to capture the big picture of the venue, overhead shots of the athletes and their coaches being interviewed after the game, and, when access permits, full-body environmental action sports photos showing a large amount of the venue in the background. Note that when used for action sports with a close and rapidly approaching subject, the subject rapidly changes size in the frame, making it challenging to capture the perfect pose at the perfect framing distance in the 20mm angle of view. High framerates ensure the perfect shot is on the card in these scenarios.

Here are two comparisons showing the 20mm angle of view as it fits into a more extensive range.

Load Comparison Images

APS-C sensor format cameras utilize a smaller portion of the image circle, and that means a scene is framed more tightly, with 1.6x being the angle of view multiplier for Canon's lineup. This lens's APS-C angle of view features a 32mm full-frame equivalent, close to the ultra-popular 35mm angle of view. This angle of view shifts this lens's uses toward portraiture, product photography, documentary, and general-purpose use.

Max Aperture

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This lens's f/1.4 max aperture is the widest available at 20mm, and this wide aperture is a huge advantage.

F/1.4 allows a significant amount of light to reach the imaging sensor. Use that light to enable action (subject and camera) stopping shutter speeds in low light levels while keeping ISO settings and noise levels low. It seems there is always enough light for handholding 20mm at f/1.4.

Another advantage of a wide aperture lens is the background blur it can create. While wide-angle lenses do not create the most substantial blur, 20mm f/1.4 with a close subject can create a shallow DOF effect, drawing the viewer's eye to the in-focus subject against a smoothly blurred background.

If there were no disadvantages to a wide aperture, every lens would have one. A wide aperture requires an increased physical size of the lens elements, which comes with the additional penalties of heavier weight and higher cost. In this case, those downsides are modest, and this lens is compact, lightweight, and moderately affordable.

As first seen on the Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens, the RF 20mm F1.4 L Lens has a smoothly integrated step-less manual aperture ring, a feature primarily desired by videographers and part of this lens's "Hybrid" designation. With the ring in the A (Auto) position, the camera controls the aperture setting, and all other settings force the aperture to the selected opening in 1/32 steps. A spring-loaded Iris Lock switch holds the aperture ring in the A setting, avoiding inadvertent changes or, in the manual range, locking out the A option.

Note that an EOS R-series camera model introduced in 2024 or later, beginning with the EOS R1, R5 II, is required to use the aperture ring for stills.

Image Stabilization

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The 20mm and f/1.4 combination is usually handholdable without ultra-high ISO settings, and this lens does not feature optical image stabilization. Omitting the optical stabilization system reduces the lens's size, weight, complexity, and cost. However, image stabilization is a very useful feature, especially when narrow apertures are needed.

Canon addresses that omission with IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) in some EOS R-series cameras. In addition to reducing camera shake, the stabilized imaging sensor provides a still viewfinder image, enabling careful composition. Furthermore, sensor-based AF takes advantage of the stabilized view for improved accuracy.

With no IS switch on the lens, the camera menu must be used to enable or disable IBIS or check the current settings. This extra step slightly impedes working quickly, moving from tripod mounted to handholding, for example.

Image Quality

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Matching the Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens's image quality seemed logical and a good expectation for this lens.

The MTF chart clarifies that expectation.

Load Comparison Images

The black lines indicate contrast (10 lines/mm), and the blue lines show resolution (30 lines/mm). The solid lines are sagittal, and the dashed lines are meridional. The higher, the better.

The RF 24mm F1.4 VCM's image quality is great, and the 20mm's should match it.

This lens features Canon's SSC (Super Spectra Coating), SWC (Sub-Wavelength structure coating), and ASC (Air Sphere Coating), an ultra-low refractive index coating consisting of air and silicon dioxide, to combat flare and ghosting.

This lens has extreme barrel distortion, but you will not notice. Canon forces correction in the camera (EVF, LCD, JPEG & HEIF images, movies) and in DPP, regardless of the lens correction settings.

Every lens is a compromise, and the reasons for designing a lens with uncorrected geometric distortion include lower cost, smaller size, lighter weight, reduced complexity, and improved correction of aberrations that are not software correctable. Geometric distortion can be corrected, including in-camera, using software and a correction profile, and once corrected, it is no longer a differentiator between lenses. However, the stretching required for correction can affect the final image quality. Base your evaluation on the corrected image quality as will be shared in this review.

In addition to 1 Super UD element, 2 UD elements, and two aspheric elements, the Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens also features Blue Refractive Optics, technology first seen in the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens.

Focusing

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Like the RF 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm F1.4 L lenses, the RF 20mm F1.4 L lens features "VCM", with a linear Voice Coil Motor driving AF. VCM is nearly as powerful as the Ring USM that powers large super telephoto lenses. It was chosen for its high torque at low-speed characteristic to provide the desired starting and stopping power.

It is not unusual for a lens to have multiple AF motors, and this lens also features a nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor). A dedicated USM in front of the VCM motor powers an independent lens unit for coordinated movement with the main focus group. The floating element design provides superior close-up optical performance.

Expect this internal-focusing lens's AF system to be extremely fast and accurate. Only faint clicks and shuffling will be heard by an ear near the lens during focusing. As a "hybrid" lens, video AF performance was a key design factor, and this AF system will provide the smooth and virtually silent behaviors necessary for high-quality movie recording.

While dim lighting will slow the focusing speed, expect this lens to impressively focus on contrast in incredibly dark conditions. This lens's low light AF performance on the EOS R5 Mark II should be remarkable.

VCM requires power to hold its position, so expect a harmless rattle to be audible when this lens is not under power.

FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing is supported in AF mode with the camera in One Shot Drive Mode, but the shutter release must be half-pressed for the focus ring to become active. Note that FTM does not work if electronic manual focusing after One Shot AF is disabled in the camera's menu. The lens's switch must be in the "MF" position and the camera meter must be on/awake for conventional manual focusing to be available.

The 20 VCM has an ideally positioned, mid-sized, fine-ribbed rubber focus ring that will turn smoothly with ideal resistance.

A non-linear focus distance adjustment rate is supported.

A single customizable control button is provided. With the camera set to continuous focus mode, press the control button to lock focus at the currently selected focus distance, permitting a focus and recompose technique. Or, customize this button to one of numerous other functions using the camera's menu.

Here is a partial list of functions assignable to the Lens Function button:

• AF Stop (default)
• Metering/AF start
• Switch to saved AF function
• One-Shot AF / Servo AF
• Eye detection
• Switch to saved AF frame
• AE lock
• AE lock (hold)
• Exposure compensation (turn main electronic dial while button is depressed)
• Activate IS function
• Aperture
• Many more ...

This lens has a minimum focus distance of 7.9" (200mm), and it generates a moderate 0.19x maximum magnification spec.

Model	Min Focus Distance		Max Magnification
Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	7.9"	(200mm)	0.19x
Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	9.4"	(240mm)	0.17x
Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	11.0"	(280mm)	0.18x
Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	15.7"	(400mm)	0.15x
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens	9.1"	(230mm)	0.16x
Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Lens	7.1"	(180mm)	0.20x

This lens is not compatible with Canon extenders.

Design & Features

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The red ring and the "L" in the moniker indicate this lens's inclusion in the exclusive Canon L-Series, the company's best-available, professional-grade lens models. These lenses feature robust construction, ready for the rigors of daily professional use.

You must read the focal length number to distinguish between the Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM, RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM, RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM, and RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM lenses. In addition to sharing the f/1.4 aperture, Canon's first 4 VCM lenses feature an identical exterior design, including dimensions. Only the focal length number appears different.

Canon's small and mid-sized L lenses utilize engineering plastic construction. Their exterior barrels are slightly textured, creating a good look and feel. The straight exterior diameter of this design is comfortable to use.

The control ring is configurable for fast access to camera settings, including aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation. Note that the control ring is clicked by default, and its clicks will be audible in camera-based audio recordings. Canon offers a click stop removal service (at a cost).

The knurled control ring has a tactile difference from the ribbed focus ring.

Canon's AF/MF switches are flush-mounted with just enough raised surface area to be easily used, even with gloves. This 2-position switch will snap crisply into position.

As seen installed below, a detachable rear bayonet mount gel filter holder is provided.

This holder supports a single filter with a thickness of 0.008" (0.2mm) or less. To make sizing easy, Canon provides a downloadable filter template.

This lens features a dust and moisture-resistant design (the 24mm lens is illustrated above).

The front lens element has a fluorine coating that repels fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants and makes cleaning considerably easier.

In addition to sharing the same exterior design, Canon's first four VCM lenses also feature similar modest weights. These features combined make swapping lenses on a rig easy, requiring, at most, minor balance adjustment.

Model	Weight oz(g)		Dimensions w/o Hood "(mm)		Filter	Year
Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	18.3	(519)	3.0 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2025
Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	18.2	(515)	3.0 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2024
Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	19.4	(550)	3.0 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2024
Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	20.5	(580)	3.0 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2024
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens	22.2	(630)	3.5 x 4.5	(87.8 x 113.2)	82	2022
Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Lens	13.2	(373)	2.9 x 3.3	(73.5 x 84.7)	67	2020

View and compare the complete Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Specifications in the site's lens specifications tool.

The initial four f/1.4 VCM lenses share 67mm front filter threads. 67mm filters are modestly sized and priced and extremely common, enabling effects filter sharing with many other lenses.

As usual for an L lens, the hood is included in the box. This time, it's the EW-73H Lens Hood.

Canon also includes a case with their L-series lenses, and the Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens comes with the Canon LP1219 Lens Pouch. While the drawstring pouch protects against scratches and dust, only the bottom is padded against impact.

Price, Value, Compatibility

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The Canon RF F1.4 VCM Lenses are moderately priced, but the 20mm option is the most expensive of the group. Still, those who need 20mm and f/1.4 will find this lens to still be a good value.

As an "RF" lens, the Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is compatible with all Canon EOS R-series cameras, including full-frame and APS-C models. Canon USA provides a 1-year limited warranty.

Summary

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Like the 24mm VCM, the Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is a fantastic choice for those looking for a standout landscape, architecture, and low-light event lens, and this lens is probably Canon's best ever for Milky Way and northern lights night sky photography. I plan to add this lens to the kit.