Canon has launched the RF85mm F1.4L VCM lens in India, expanding its range of professional prime lenses for the RF mirrorless system. Priced at ₹150,995, this medium telephoto lens is the first in a new lineup created for both photographers and videographers. At the center of its innovation is a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) for autofocus, combined with a lighter and more compact design.
Key Takeaways
- New Lens: The RF85mm F1.4L VCM is a prime lens for Canon’s RF mount mirrorless cameras.
- India Price: Available at ₹150,995, inclusive of taxes.
- New AF Motor: It is the first Canon lens with the new Voice Coil Motor, offering fast, quiet, and precise autofocus.
- Hybrid Design: Features such as a clickless aperture ring and minimal focus breathing are aimed at video creators.
- Lighter Build: Weighs about 30 percent less than its EF mount predecessor, the EF85mm f/1.4L IS USM.
A Classic Focal Length for Modern Creators
The 85mm focal length has long been appreciated by portrait photographers. It produces a natural perspective, flattering subjects while adding a gentle compression that makes backgrounds appear closer without being distracting. The Canon RF85mm F1.4L VCM continues this tradition while adding a modern touch.
Its wide f/1.4 aperture is one of the main attractions. It allows more light into the lens, making it suitable for low-light shooting, whether in the evening or in softly lit indoor spaces. At the same time, it delivers a shallow depth of field, creating that creamy background blur that makes the subject stand out.
This lens also begins a new professional f/1.4 VCM series from Canon, designed for creators who shift between still photography and video. The VCM autofocus system is quick and nearly silent, a detail that matters when recording video and avoiding unwanted noise.
Built for Photography and Videography
Canon has made sure to include features that appeal to filmmakers. A clickless aperture ring allows smooth adjustments during recording, while the optics are engineered to minimize focus breathing, keeping the framing consistent even as focus changes. These details help give video a more polished and cinematic quality.
In terms of handling, the RF85mm F1.4L VCM is lighter and more compact compared to the EF85mm f/1.4L IS USM. At around 636 grams, it is easier to balance on gimbals or rigs, and with a shared 67mm front filter thread across the VCM series, switching between lenses becomes less of a hassle.
The lens is also designed for professional use in demanding environments. It includes dust and drip resistance, along with a fluorine coating on the front element to resist smudges and make cleaning easier. Inside, Canon has added one Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element and one Glass-molded (GMo) aspheric element to reduce optical imperfections. The Air Sphere Coating (ASC) further controls flare and ghosting when shooting against bright light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the price of the Canon RF85mm F1.4L VCM in India?
A. The MRP for the lens is ₹150,995.00, inclusive of all taxes.
Q. What is a VCM motor in a camera lens?
A. A VCM, or Voice Coil Motor, is a type of autofocus motor. It uses magnetic forces to move the lens elements quickly, quietly, and with high precision, making it suitable for both high-speed photography and video recording.
Q. Is the RF85mm F1.4L VCM good for video?
A. Yes, it is designed with videographers in mind. It features a silent VCM autofocus motor, a clickless aperture ring for smooth exposure changes, and an optical design that minimizes focus breathing.
Q. How does this lens compare to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM?
A. The RF85mm F1.4L VCM is designed for Canon’s newer mirrorless system. It is about 30% lighter and more compact than the EF version. It also introduces the new VCM motor, whereas the EF lens uses a USM (Ultrasonic Motor).
Q. What cameras are compatible with the RF85mm F1.4L VCM lens?
A. This lens is designed for cameras with the Canon RF mount, which includes all models in the Canon EOS R series, such as the EOS R5, EOS R6 Mark II, and EOS R8.
