Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM - Breaking the Stereotype

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is one of the most affordable and the widest prime lens introduced by the company. Shridhar Kunte puts this multi-utility block lens through a series of exhausting tests.

- Shridhar Kunte

SPECIFICATIONS

Model name Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM

MRP Rs. 40,995

Lens construction 11 elements in 9 groups

Closest focusing 0.17m

Max. Magnification 1:2

Diaphragm blades 9 blades

Aperture range f/1.4

Filter Diameter 52mm

Dimensions, weight 74.4 x 62.8mm, 305g

When it comes to macro lenses, one always thinks of focal lengths from 50mm and above. Although macro is mentioned in its name, creative photographers can think out of the box and use the new Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 lens as a versatile moderate-wide-angle prime lens for the company’s new full frame mirrorless camera system. For nature and macro enthusiasts, in addition to macro photography, the lens offers options for street and travel photography, environmental portraiture, and even video.

Features

Though not rated as a true macro lens, the minimum focusing distance of the 35mm f/1.8 is 17cm from the sensor plane, and it boasts of a magnification ratio of 1:2. The lens has nine aperture blades, leading to the creation of pleasing bokeh. It includes an STM motor for smooth and silent focus, is good for videos, but it also means that the AF is slightly slower. Another advance that comes with the STM motor is full-time manual focus override that helps to finetune the focus while using AF. The built-in electronics transfers all the necessary information to the camera body.