Canon's compact RF wide-angle prime — the affordable 35mm f/1.8 with macro capability.
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM was launched in 2018 as one of the first native RF-mount lenses alongside the EOS R. It combines a fast f/1.8 aperture with macro capability reaching 0.5x magnification and built-in image stabilisation — an unusually versatile feature set for a compact wide-angle prime at this price point.
Optical performance is good. Sharpness is respectable from f/1.8 and very good by f/2.8. The macro mode at 0.5x magnification allows genuine close-up work without a dedicated macro lens. IS stabilisation provides approximately 5 stops of correction. STM stepping motor AF is smooth and quiet, well-suited to video. Bokeh is pleasant at wider apertures.
Canon RF mount, full-frame. Filter thread is 52mm — compact. Weight is approximately 305 grams — lightweight for a stabilised f/1.8 prime. Build quality is good with a control ring that can be assigned to aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. No weather sealing. The combination of features makes it one of the most versatile RF primes available.
Good availability on the used market at attractive prices. Check IS and STM motor operation. An excellent first RF prime for Canon mirrorless shooters — the combination of 35mm, f/1.8, macro, IS, and compact size is hard to beat. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is the premium upgrade for those wanting ultimate optical quality.