Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review

The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is on the streets, and this review is actively being construction.

When Canon asked which RF lenses I wanted next, this one was at the top of my list. At the RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM's announcement, a 24mm f/1.4 L lens was included in the EF lens series for 29 years. However, 6 years into the Canon RF series, that model in an RF mount remained missing. It was needed, and surely, I was not the only one asking for it.

To Canon's credit, the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens was available and was easily adaptable to R-series cameras. So, technically, this need was covered. But, the EF II version of that lens was 16 years old, and a version III was desperately needed, especially from an optical performance perspective. Also, that lens was discontinued sometime before the RF 24 F1.4 announcement.

Now, the Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens fills that glaring RF series hole and promises the image quality we've long wanted.

The 24mm angle of view and ultra-wide f/1.4 aperture are tremendously useful, and the look of images captured with that combination is highly desired and much loved. This relatively compact lens's "L" nameplate assures optimal 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 24mm focal length, just breaking into the ultra-wide class, is extremely popular.

Landscape photography is a perfect use for a 24mm lens. This focal length is quite wide and can allow an entire scene to remain in focus. Still, 24mm is not so wide that it complicates composition and not so wide that it makes distant details (such as mountains) tiny. A solid percentage of my landscape images are captured at 24mm.

Why did I ask Canon for a 24mm f/1.4 lens? I want to use it for Milky Way and Northern Lights photography, and Canon confirmed that this lens is "Designed with astrophotographers in mind". This focal length is optimal for nightscapes, and especially with the ultra-wide aperture, this lens is a great choice for these uses.

Wedding and event photography often utilize 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 similar to those of a wedding photographer and regularly include 24mm. Videographers frequently find the 24mm focal length to be just right for their needs.

Architectural photography, large product photography, interior photography, and birthday parties form a random list of 24mm uses. This is another convenient focal length to leave mounted on the camera, ready to document life.

While telephoto lenses are more frequently used for sports, a 24mm 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 24mm angle of view. In these scenarios, high framerates ensure the perfect shot is on the card.

Here are two comparisons showing the 24mm angle of view as it fits into a larger range.

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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 (38.4mm full-frame equivalent) shifts the uses of this lens 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 24mm, 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 24mm at f/1.4.

Another advantage of a wide aperture lens is the background blur it can create. While wide-angle lenses cannot create the strongest blur, 24mm f/1.4 with a close subject creates a shallow DOF, 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 reasonably affordable.

As first seen on the Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens, the RF 24mm 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 is required to use the aperture ring for stills.

Image Stabilization

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The 24mm and f/1.4 combination is usually handholdable without ultra-high ISO settings, and the Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM 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 is a slight impediment to working quickly, moving from tripod mounted to handholding, for example.

Image Quality

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Matching the Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens's image quality seems logical and good expectation for this lens.

The MTF chart provides an even clearer expectation.

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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.

This lens features Canon's SWC (Subwavelength structure coating) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating), an ultra-low refractive index coating consisting of air and silicon dioxide, to combat flare and ghosting. The lens design incorporates one GMo aspheric and 2 UD elements.

Focusing

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Like the RF 35 F1.4 L lens, the RF 24 F1.4 L lens features "VCM", linear Voice Coil Motor, driving AF. VCM is nearly as powerful as the Ring USM powering large super telephotos and 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 motors driving AF, 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.

Expect this internal-focusing lens's AF to be fast and accurate. 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 slows the focusing speed, this lens will impressively focus in extremely dark conditions.

VCM requires power to hold its position, so expect to hear a harmless rattle 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 24 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.

With the R-series cameras, a linear adjustment rate, my preference, can be configured.

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.

The ribbed rubberized focus ring is moderately sized and optimally located just forward of the center.

This lens has a minimum focus distance of 15.7" (400mm), and it generates a mediocre 0.15x maximum magnification spec.

Model	Min Focus Distance		Max Magnification
Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	9.4"	(240mm)	0.17x
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens	9.8"	(250mm)	0.17x
Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens	5.5"	(140mm)	0.50x
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 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens	9.8"	(250mm)	0.14x
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens	9.4"	(240mm)	0.17x

Mount an extension tube behind this lens to significantly decrease the minimum focus distance and increase the magnification. As of review time, Canon does not offer RF mount-compatible extension tubes, but third-party options are available.

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 are strongly constructed and ready for the rigors of daily professional use.

You must read the focal length number to distinguish between the Canon 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 3 VCM lenses feature an identical exterior design, including dimensions. Only the focal length number is different.

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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 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 3 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 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	18.2	(515)	3.0 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2024
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens	22.9	(650)	3.3 x 3.4	(83.5 x 86.9)	77	2008
Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens	9.5	(270)	2.9 x 2.5	(74.4 x 63.1)	52	2022
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 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens	18.0	(510)	3.0 x 3.8	(75.7 x 97.5)	72	2022
Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens	15.7	(445)	3.0 x 3.6	(75.4 x 92.4)	67	2018

View the complete Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Specifications using the site's lens specifications tool for many more comparisons.

The three 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-73G Lens Hood.

This petal-shaped hood adds significant front element protection from flare-inducing light and physical impact. The petal shape also looks cool, and a functional advantage of this hood shape is easier installation alignment (align the small petal to the top), though a round-shaped hood enables the lens to stand on its hood better. A release button makes installation and removal easy, and the narrow diameter keeps it compact, especially when reversed.

Canon also includes a case with their L-series lenses, and the Canon RF 24mm 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 24mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture combination is not radical from a design and production perspective, and the result is a great value lens. The RF 24 F1.4 is not cheap, but its moderate price is in each of enthusiasts.

As an "RF" lens, the Canon RF 24mm 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.

Alternatives

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The perfect lens does not exist. However, the best lens for your needs does. Determining that answer requires a look at the alternatives. The 24 VCM's predecessor would be Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens, a logical lens to consider first despite it being already discontinued.

As hinted earlier, the EF II lens has not kept up with the latest camera resolution capabilities, and it was overdue for an update. If the RF 24 L's image quality does not far surpass that of the EF 24 II, it will be a great disapointment. However, expect the RF 24 L to have strong barrel distortion, considerably stronger than the EF lens.

The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM vs. EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens comparison shows the RF lens is slightly narrow, longer, and lighter. Also, the EF lens requires the extra size and weight of a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R for use on an R-series camera. The RF lens has 11 aperture blades vs. 8, 67mm filter threads vs. 77mm. The RF lens's AF is driven by VCM and Nano USM vs. Ring USM, has Lens Function buttons, and has aperture and control rings. The EF lens has a focus distance window. The primary reason to get the EF lens is because the used price is low.

Canon has another RF 24mm lens in the line-up, the consumer-grade RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens.

I expect the L lens to produce sharper images at f/1.4 than the non-L lens at f/1.8.

The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM vs. RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens comparison shows the f/1.8 lens weighing about half as much and measuring considerably shorter. The STM lens uses 52mm filters vs. 65mm, has a 0.50x maximum magnification vs. 0.17x, and has image stabilization. The VCM has a dedicated focus ring, VCM and Nano USM AF vs. STM, 11 aperture blades vs. 9, Lens Function buttons, an aperture ring, and a 2/3 stop wider aperture. Of course, the professional-grade L lens is considerably more expensive.

While the focal length is different, the Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is otherwise similar.

The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM vs. RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens comparison reflects similarity. Get the lens with the focal length that works best for you. Often, getting both is the right decision, as these lenses are complementary.

The Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens does not mount on a Canon camera, but it is interesting to compare against. This Sony lens is super sharp, and matching its performance would be excellent.

Expect the Canon lens to have stronger barrel distortion.

The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM vs. Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens comparison shows that the Sony lens is slightly lighter and smaller. The two lenses are similar in most regards, but the Sony lens has a slightly lower price.

Use the site's tools to create additional comparisons.

Summary

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The Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is a great choice for those looking for a night sky, landscape, architecture, and low-light event lens.