Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Lens

The Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM lens is engineered to meet the exacting demands of both professional photographers and videographers, placing itself as a versatile choice for those invested in the Canon full-frame mirrorless system. Combining a broad ultra-wide perspective with a remarkably fast f/1.4 aperture, this lens is not just about impressive landscapes or vast architectural captures; it's also designed with low-light performance and depth of field control in mind, making it well-suited for a diverse array of shooting conditions and subjects. Designed specifically for Canon's full-frame RF-mount system, offering exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and image quality. A 20mm focal length provides an expansive view, while the large f/1.4 aperture ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field. Equally adept for photo and video work, thanks to its adaptable design and features that cater to both disciplines. Combining a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) with Canon's Nano USM technology, this lens offers silent, swift, and smooth autofocus performance, beneficial for capturing fleeting moments and critical for unobtrusive video recording.

Incorporating Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion), UD, and BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) optical elements to counteract chromatic aberrations and maintain high-resolution, crisp imagery with minimal distortions. The application of Canon's Super Spectra, SWC (SubWavelength Structure Coating), and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) ensures that flare and ghosting are effectively suppressed, promoting superior contrast and color fidelity in various lighting conditions. A de-clickable aperture ring provides videographers with the ability to smoothly adjust aperture in real-time, without the jumps typically associated with standard aperture settings. Custom control ring and function button empower users with customizable controls, making adjustments during shooting intuitive and immediate. A robust weather-sealed construction, complemented by a fluorine coating, protects the lens from dust, moisture, and smears, ideal for shooting in challenging environmental conditions. An included rear gel filter holder expands creative possibilities, allowing the use of filters without the need to attach them to the lens's front element, maintaining the lens's compact profile and usability.

The Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM lens is a feature-packed, high-performance lens crafted for the creative professional who requires flexibility, reliability, and quality from their gear. Whether it's capturing wide-angle scenes with dynamic range and clarity, shooting in low light, or recording video with demanding quality requirements, this lens promises to deliver exceptional results. Its combination of innovative optical design, advanced autofocus capabilities, and user-focused features make it a compelling addition to the toolkit of any serious photographer or videographer invested in the Canon ecosystem.

Product Features in Detail

Incredible Feature Set From an Incredible Lens
This lens has a lot going for it. You already know about the new VCM and Iris control ring, but there is so much more. You can attach filters to this lens in two ways, a front 67mm screw thread allows for screw-on filters, and in the back of the lens is a cut gel or polyester filter holder (bundled). You also have a Control Ring and a lens function button, both of which you can assign functions to. This lens is also dust and weather resistant, has two aspheric and three UD (Ultra-low Dispersion glass) elements, Canon’s specialized BR (Blue spectrum Refractive) optics, and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) to reduce ghosting.

We’re Putting Our Focus on Focusing
The RF20mm F1.4 L VCM is part of a series of “hybrid” lenses that focus on video performance as much as still photography.  One of these features is a change to how the focus system works.  There is a Nano USM that controls the floating focus unit, and a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) that powers the primary rear focus unit.  These focus motors are coordinated and work in tandem for incredible speed in near silence.  One important note about the VCM is that it requires power to hold its position, so when the camera is off, or the lens is not attached to a camera, you may hear and feel slight movement.  This is normal, and there is extra cushioning inside the lens to help prevent damage in this situation.

Excellent Image Quality
Again, thanks to the Canon RF lens mount, the RF20mm F1.4 L VCM lens offers great optical quality. Its optical design includes one Super UD element, two UD elements, and even BR optics (Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics) to minimize chromatic aberration. On top of that, this lens features the same dust- and water-resistance found on L-series lenses with seals around the Control ring, focus ring, zoom ring, operation panel, and lens mount.

It's Showtime!
This lens is part of a family of “hybrid” lenses that focus on video creation as much as still photography. To that end, this lens features a manual iris control ring so you can smoothly change the aperture from f/1.4 to f/16 during video capture.  Thanks to advancements in lens design, focus breathing on this lens is extremely minimal, and backlit images are sharp.  Combine all of these features, and you’ve got a great video lens in your hands — and a superb ultra wide-angle still image lens.

Get Close
With a minimum focus distance of just under 7.9 inches, an f/1.4 maximum aperture, and a uniquely wide look you can capture some really compelling imagery that is sure to capture attention.