Canon has finally announced the third and final lens to their F4 L lens trinity—the RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM. The trinity is also comprised of the RF 24-105mm F4 L lens which was announced with the EOS R in 2018 and the RF 70-200 F4 L lens which was announced in December of 2020.
The RF 14-35mm F4 will be a hefty addition to those interested in landscape, travel, architecture, or street photography. Plus, with L series quality, weather resistance, and optimized coatings to help minimize ghosting, users will find it offers an extremely satisfying design.
Photo by Paul Seibert, Professional Photographer, captured using a pre-production model of the RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM
In terms of size and weight, it is very light and compact, weighing only one ounce heavier than the RF 85mm F2 at 1.2lb. Although it is a fairly wide zoom, one big advantage is the ability to use standard 77mm filters. The image quality is rectilinear so the image stays flat without distortion and it has a minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches, which compared to 11.04 inches in the RF 15-35 F2.8, is a big step up and opens up quite a bit of creative opportunities.
The lens itself comes with 5.5 stops of image stabilization and when paired with the in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it has up to 7 stops of coordinated IS. For video users, the nano USM focusing motor gives you the elusive combination of silence and smoothness. Not to mention, focus breathing is very controlled. Of course, like all RF lenses, it offers a control ring adapter for your choice of direct settings.
Photo by Kahli Hindmarsh, Professional Photographer, captured using a pre-production model of the RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM.
The RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens is available for pre-order at $1699 and expected to ship on September 6th.