Wider Versatility with the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L Lens

When it comes to wide-angle photography, pushing the envelope even further, Canon has just released a new versatile wide-angle zoom for its full-frame mirrorless system: the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM. Compared to more traditional 16-35mm zooms, this lens gains a bit on the wide end for an even broader field of view, while still maintaining a sleek profile, constant f/4 maximum aperture, and the optical and physical design qualities you’d expect from an L-series lens.

This zoom is an ideal all-in-one option for landscape, nature, and architectural photographers, covering a variety of wide-angle focal lengths to suit various subject types and sizes. The constant f/4 maximum aperture aids this range, too, and contributes to a smaller, lighter-weight design that balances performance and portability. Additionally, somewhat unique among ultra-wides, this 14-35mm lens sports an Optical Image Stabilizer mechanism that compensates for up to 5.5 stops of camera shake, or up to 7 stops when paired with cameras featuring IBIS, for super-stable and sharp images when shooting handheld.

As an L-series lens, advanced optical construction is de rigueur, and specialized elements correct for a variety of aberrations to ensure high sharpness and accurate color rendering. Both Sub-Wavelength (SWC) and Air Sphere (ASC) coatings have been applied, too, which reduce flare and ghosting for high contrast and color fidelity when working in strong light.

Just like other L-series RF lenses, this zoom incorporates a Nano USM into its workings for smooth, quick, and quiet focusing performance that complements video and photo workflows. A minimum focusing distance of just 7.9" yields a maximum magnification of 0.38x, too, that is ideal for creating unique close-up shots with extended depth of field. The RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM also sports a programmable control ring at its base for settings control, features dust- and weather-resistant construction, and comes with the matching EW-83P lens hood.

This lens slots into Canon’s RF lens lineup as a more compact and lighter weight wide-angle zoom option than the impressive RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM. Sure, the slightly older 15-35mm has the obvious advantage of f/2.8 vs. f/4, but the new lens features the slightly wider 14mm vs. 15mm wide-end focal length. In terms of dimensions and weight, the 14-35mm f/4 measures 3.3 x 3.9" and weighs 1.2 lb compared to the 15-35mm f/2.8, which measures 3.5 x 5" and weighs 1.85 lb. The new lens gains a noticeably sleeker profile and slightly wider field of view by sacrificing just one stop of speed.

What are your thoughts on Canon’s newest wide-angle zoom? Do you prefer this smaller and wider 14-35mm f/4? Or are you a fan of the speedy 15-35mm f/2.8? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section, below.