Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Lens

Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Lens Summary

Joining a growing range of Canon hybrid lenses is the Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Lens, which is the widest in the lineup. This is the first L-series ultra-wide prime from Canon and it provides features for both stills and video content creation. These include a bright 11-blade circular aperture for soft bokeh, Canon’s Voice Coil Motor (VCM) technology, a smooth-action iris ring, and an expansive  94° diagonal angle of view.

The RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM suits a variety of genres where a wider perspective helps to tell the bigger story, including landscape photography, astrophotography, and interiors. Despite its bright f/1.4 aperture and advanced optics, the lens weighs just 519g, and is suitable for gimbal mounting, balancing with the other models in the range, and for mounting on Canon’s EOS R mirrorless cameras. A close 0.2 metre minimum focusing distance extends its versatility, enabling scenes to be framed in a dynamic way.

Alongside its advanced optical design, this L-series prime features Canon’s signature build quality, with a durable, weather-sealed construction and coatings that protect the elements. A customisable button and control ring support different workflows, allowing quick access to exposure compensation, aperture, shutter speed, and AF settings directly from the lens, without needing to dive into the camera menus.

Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Key Features

• Ultra-wide lens with a bright f/1.4 aperture
• 11-blade circular diaphragm
• Voice coil motor AF technology
• High image quality and outstanding sharpness from aspheric, Super UD and BR elements
• Smooth iris ring
• Custom button and control ring
• Unified hybrid lens design

Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Lens in More Detail

Explore the Possibilities of 20mm

The Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM gives photographers and filmmakers a wider view with the additional benefit of being able to shoot handheld in low light. Its bright f/1.4 aperture opens up new creative options, from establishing shots to atmospheric dawn or dusk scenes. As a wide-angle prime, it also invites you to push compositions further, capturing bold perspectives with excellent subject rendering.

Ready for High-End Content Creation

Canon has packed advanced optical technology into this compact ultra-wide RF lens, delivering sharpness and clarity across the frame. The 11-blade aperture produces attractive bokeh rendition for photos and cinematic video, while minimal focus breathing helps keep framing consistent during focus pulls. Whether you shoot landscapes or video interviews, the lens maintains excellent contrast and fine detail throughout the frame.

Intuitive Control and Fast, Silent AF

This hybrid prime includes a manual Iris Ring with clickless operation, which is ideal for smooth aperture changes during video recording. A customisable Control Ring and dedicated Lens Function Button give you quick access to camera settings without diving into menus, such as exposure compensation or focus hold.

Autofocus is driven by Canon’s powerful Voice Coil Motor, which delivers high torque and fast response with minimal noise, which is especially useful for quiet environments and video recording.

Compact Prime That is well balanced

Although ultra-wide, the RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM is designed to match the proportions of Canon’s other L-series hybrid primes. The result is better balance when used with a gimbal or video rig, allowing for easy swapping between focal lengths without disrupting your setup. At just 519g, it’s also lightweight enough for extended handheld use, enabling more freestyle run and gun content creation.

Built for Demanding Conditions

With weather sealing and a tough L-series build, this lens is ready for all kinds of situations. A fluorine coating on the front element repels water, oil and dust, while the internal construction ensures lasting reliability for professionals working in the field.

Other models in the hybrid series

The Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM joins existing hybrid prime lenses for photographers and filmmakers who want the same performance across a range of focal lengths. Each model in the series features Canon’s VCM autofocus, a clickless iris ring, and professional L-series quality, for consistent results while shooting stills and video. Explore the rest of the range:

• RF 24mm F1.4L VCM
• RF 35mm F1.4L VCM
• RF 50mm F1.4L VCM

Notes:

1. Iris ring is inactive for controlling aperture in still photo shooting when using the lens with EOS R system cameras released before May 2024.
2. Important: The Voice Coil Motor (VCM) in the RF 20MM F1.4L VCM emits a low-level magnetic field. While generally safe to use, we advise consulting your doctor if you have a pacemaker or any other medical device to address any concerns. When the lens is not connected to the camera or when the camera is off may cause internal noise from the lens’s components. This is normal and not a malfunction. Minor movements during transportation do not affect performance.
3. Lenses with dust/moisture resistance are fitted with a rubber ring on the lens mount which may cause slight abrasion of the camera mount. This in no way effects either the lens or camera performance.

What’s in the box

• Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Lens
• Lens caps

Canon RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM Lens Specifications