Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review

The Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens is on the streets, and this review is actively being construction.

This is the Canon 50mm lens you have been waiting for. I know, I said that in the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens review. However, if you are still waiting, the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens must be your lens.

When introducing the Canon EOS R and the RF mount, Canon's first full-frame lens mount introduced since the EF (electronic focusing) mount arrived over 30 years prior, Canon gave us some knock-out lenses, and the RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens was one of them.

While wide aperture 50mm prime lenses have long been favorites with photographers, few have had even marginally good image quality at their widest aperture. Stopping down to at least f/2 or f/2.8 was necessary to gain the resolution and contrast typically desired. Sure, the dreamy effect can be useful sometimes, but sharp, high-contrast results are much preferred, and this lens delivers those at f/1.2.

The RF 50mm F1.2 is an impressive performer, with outstanding f/1.2 image quality as its best feature. Still, the large elements required to create the f/1.2 aperture, 0.44 stops wider than f/1.4, require the lens to be large, heavy, and expensive. The RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens addresses those issues.

Within the ultra-popular 50mm prime lens class (this is the 34th 50mm prime lens I've reviewed), the f/1.4 variant is always an exceedingly popular model, especially due to its compact size, light weight, and affordable price. However, none of these lenses has worn an L badge until now. That letter assures professional-grade build and optical qualities, and the VCM and Nano USM AF system has proven to be high-performing. Combine those qualities with a general-purpose focal length, and the result will be a most-used lens in many kits.

Focal Length

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Focal length is the first consideration for lens selection, and with a prime lens, you get only one angle of view. That angle of view drives subject distance choices (or meets distance-related requirements), and subject distances determine perspective.

On a full-frame body, a 50mm focal length provides an angle of view that seems natural, and that aspect brings great general-purpose usefulness. So useful, and thus, so popular, is this focal length that 50mm (or similar) focal length prime lenses are found in all major brand lens lineups, with some brands having many options. This is the 3rd Canon RF 50mm prime lens, and there are 4 Canon EF 50mm options currently available.

50mm lenses are frequently used for fashion, portraiture, weddings, documentary, street, lifestyle, sports, architecture, landscape, commercial, around-the-home, and general studio photography applications, including product photography or recording your lunch. As you likely noted, many useful applications for this lens include people as subjects. While a 50mm lens on a full-frame body is modestly too wide for tightly framed headshot portraits (a too-close perspective is required), this angle of view is excellent for wider portrait framing.

50mm is a great option for video recording. Having a 50mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture available opens many artistic opportunities, including those found in nature.

To visualize where 50mm fits among other common focal lengths, I'll borrow a focal length range example from a zoom lens review.

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On an ASP-C/1.6x sensor format body, the 50mm focal length provides an angle of view similar to an 80mm lens on a full-frame sensor format body. Uses for this angle of view coincide with most uses of the 50mm focal length, with modestly tighter framing or modestly longer perspective for the same framing being the difference. The APS-C angle of view favors more tightly framed portraits.

Max Aperture

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This lens's f/1.4 max aperture is not the widest available at 50mm, but f/1.4 is still really wide.

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 50mm at f/1.4.

Another advantage of a wide aperture lens is the background blur it can create. 50mm 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 50mm 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 50mm and f/1.4 combination is usually handholdable without ultra-high ISO settings, and the Canon RF 50mm 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 a 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 ASC (Air Sphere Coating), an ultra-low refractive index coating consisting of air and silicon dioxide, to combat flare and ghosting.

Focusing

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Like the RF 35 F1.4 L lens, the RF 50 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 50 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 9.4" (240mm), and it generates a mediocre 0.17x maximum magnification spec.

Model	Min Focus Distance		Max Magnification
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 F1.2 L USM Lens	15.7"	(400mm)	0.19x
Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	15.7"	(400mm)	0.15x
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens	17.7"	(450mm)	0.15x
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens	11.8"	(300mm)	0.25x
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens	17.7"	(450mm)	0.15x
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens	16.1"	(410mm)	0.16x

Mount an extension tube behind this lens to decrease the minimum focus distance and increase the magnification significantly. 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.

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 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2024
Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	19.4	(550)	3 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2024
Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens	33.5	(950)	3.5 x 4.3	(89.8 x 108)	77	2018
Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens	20.5	(580)	3 x 3.9	(76.5 x 99.3)	67	2024
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens	10.2	(290)	2.9 x 2	(74 x 51)	58	1993
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens	5.6	(160)	2.7 x 1.6	(69.2 x 40.5)	43	2020
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens	23.3	(660)	3.1 x 4.4	(78.2 x 111.5)	72	2023
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens	18.2	(516)	3.2 x 3.8	(80.6 x 96)	67	2023

View the complete Canon RF 50mm 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-73 Lens Hood.

This round-shaped hood adds significant front element protection from flare-inducing light and physical impact and permits the lens to stand on its hood. The ribbed interior avoids reflections. 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 50mm 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 50mm 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 50 F1.4 is not cheap, but its moderate price is in reach of enthusiasts.

As an "RF" lens, the Canon RF 50mm 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.

The reviewed Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens was on loan from Canon USA.

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 50 F1.4 VCM does not have a direct L-grade predecessor, so I'll first compare the focal length and aperture spec matching EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens.

The EF lens is 27 years older than the RF lens. The professional L lens's image quality should far exceed that of the old consumer lens.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM vs. EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens comparison shows that the EF lens weighs half as much and measures half as long. Balancing somewhat is that 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 EF lens has 58mm filter threads vs. 67mm. The L lens has 11 aperture blades vs. 8, VCM and Nano USM AF vs. Micro USM, Lens Function buttons, aperture and control rings, and professional build quality, but it costs over 4x as much.

Canon's least expensive lens at review time is the RF 50mm F1.8 STM. The RF and 50mm features directly match the VCM, and the F1.8 is not too far off, so let's compare them.

Anything short of the L lens holding a vast image quality advantage would be disappointing.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM vs. RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens comparison shows the L lens weighing nearly 4x as much and measuring well over 2x longer. The STM lens has 43mm filter threads vs. 67mm. The L lens has 11 aperture blades vs. 7, VCM and Nano USM AF vs. STM, Lens Function buttons, an aperture ring, dedicated control and MF rings, and professional build quality, but it costs 7x as much.

A more direct comparison is against the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens, a game-changing lens, especially for its impressive wide-open f/1.2 image quality.

My initial guess is that the VCM lens's wide-open image quality will match that of the USM lens.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM vs. RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens comparison shows the F1.2 lens weighing over 50% more and measuring considerably larger, especially in diameter. The F1.4 lens has 11 aperture blades vs. 10 and uses 67mm filters vs. 77mm. The F1.2 lens has a 0.44 stop wider aperture, can go to 0.19x maximum magnification vs. 0.15x, and has a focus limit switch. The F1.4 lens has VCM and USM AF vs. USM, Lens Function buttons, an aperture ring, and costs 2/3 as much.

Crossing over brands, the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM is a just-prior-released lens with matching specs.

I'll be pleased if the Canon lens matches the Sony lens's optical quality.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM vs. Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens comparison shows the Sony lens is slightly lighter, shorter, and wider. Otherwise, most specs align. The Sony lens is slightly less expensive.

Use the site's tools to create additional comparisons.

Summary

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A great 50mm prime lens will always find itself in high demand. The utility of 50mm and f/1.4 in a compact, lightweight, high-performing professional-grade package with a moderate price will make the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens highly popular, one of the most used in the kit.