Hands On With The Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM Hybrid Lens

Canon has simply launched the fourth lens in its L VCM line of Hybrid Primes, the RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM. I were given to have an early glance and sought after to percentage my ideas.

It is unusual that I can get started a lens evaluate speaking about ergonomics. Sure, I all the time get round to it after all. But typically talking, I’ll lead with tech specifications and get to the extra subjective issues, like ergonomics, after all. Well, I’m breaking that custom nowadays for excellent reason why. When I first took the Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM out of the field and fixed it onto my R5C, my first actual idea used to be, “Wow, this feels really good in the hand.” And, as I persevered to place the lens via its paces, I couldn’t shake the sensation that I used to be truly playing the capturing procedure—no longer simply the pictures I used to be getting, however the true enjoy of the usage of the lens with my explicit digicam frame. Aside from specifications, which I’ll get to momentarily, I imagine my enjoyment used to be coming from a easy phrase: stability.

I must point out that I’ve a love-hate courting with top lenses. I do know a few of you’re going to love primes, some will love zooms. Personally, I’m any person who enjoys speaking about primes however, in precise apply, could have some type of zoom lens attached to my paintings cameras in perpetuity. The exception to that rule being cinema lenses and/or walkabout images lenses. Generally talking, if I achieve for a zoom for images functions, it’s as a result of I’m seeking to pack mild, and the lens’s small shape issue is nearly as essential as its focal period. But, after all, the simpler top lenses are optically, the bigger they have a tendency to be bodily. Some of the most efficient top lenses I’ve shot with are simply as large as, if no longer greater than, my skilled zooms. There are sensible causes for this. But it additionally has a sensible impact on my selection. If you’re taking away the dimensions benefit, you’re asking me to make a choice from the flexibility of a zoom lens as opposed to a perceived sharpness bump of a first-rate. As I’m admittedly no longer a pixel peeper and will hardly ever inform the variation in the beginning look, I have a tendency to go for the zoom because of the added versatility.

But the Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM is one thing other. It is a high-performing top however is available in an excessively mild and compact shape. Weighing simply 500 grams, the lens has 15 parts in 11 teams. There is a minimal center of attention distance of 7.9 inches. The lens has a entrance filter out dimension of 67mm and likewise features a rear filter out holder for gels, providing you with much more filtration choices in a compact setup.

Well fitted to trip, panorama, boulevard, and tight interiors, 20mm gives a large box of view on a complete body sensor. Personally, I really like the usage of broad lenses once I’m particularly in search of dynamic foregrounds and compositions. This lens doesn’t disappoint in that regard. But it additionally does a excellent activity of controlling distortion across the edges. However, do you’ll want to make the most of both in-camera lens corrections or post-production lens corrections to get optimum effects. Below is solely an instance of what the sector of view looks as if with and with out changes carried out. With maximum our bodies, this correction will happen naturally in-camera. For others, it is very important modify in publish. But the adjustment is a painless procedure must you want to take action.

The lens does no longer include stabilization, so that you’ll need to attach it to a frame that has IBIS in case you’re intending on the usage of it for hand-held vlogging or content material introduction.

This is a hybrid lens, which means that Canon claims to have designed it similarly for movement and stills. Filmmakers will love the guide aperture ring at the lens itself to facilitate easy iris pulls throughout manufacturing. The lens additionally has a linear center of attention motor for extra exact center of attention pulls, and center of attention respiring has been stored to a minimal. Below are examples of a focal point pull from with reference to a ways. You can see the minimum respiring on the outer edges of the shot. Focusing used to be silent, easy, and speedy.

The lens is more or less the similar dimensions because the others in Canon’s Hybrid Prime line (24mm, 35mm, 50mm f/1.4), so converting glass mid-shoot must no longer necessitate primary changes in your video rig.

From a velocity point of view, I’m changing into increasingly keen on f/1.4. This appears to be a candy spot the place corporations can give speedy lenses that permit in a large number of mild with no need to lead them to large in dimension like many f/1.2s. I discovered the lens to be masses sharp sufficient. The symbol underneath used to be shot on the minimal center of attention distance and used to be greater than sharp sufficient for my liking. The wider aperture and focal period must make this lens common amongst astrophotographers having a look to profit from the low-light features and box of view.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Interestingly, I were given to study this lens concurrently I were given to study two new digicam our bodies from Canon. All issues being equivalent, new cameras are all the time just a little extra amusing to play with than new lenses. But, of all of the new merchandise within the field, I discovered the RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM to be probably the most thrilling to my very own private workflow. It’s the primary of the L Series Hybrid Primes that I’ve gotten to play with, however the enjoy has indisputably gotten me concerned about exploring the remainder of the road.

Whether or no longer this lens, which retails for $1,699, is best for you starts with the software of the focal period in your material. Some might desire 24mm. Some might desire 20mm. Some might need each. What I will say is that the lens delivers sharp photographs in a bundle that could be a excitement to hold round. It has distinctive talents, just like the guide iris ring, that make it neatly suited for hybrid use. And for the ones of you in search of a low-light workhorse, this lens is easily value attention.