Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens

Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens Summary

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens is the latest addition to Canon’s video-ready VCM range of prime mirrorless RF mount lenses. VCM, or ‘Voice Coil Motor’, is the underlying technology behind the hybrid series, which incorporates useful features for both stills and video that are consistent across the range. These include being a uniform size and shape, which makes lens swaps easier when shooting with video rigs, filters, and accessories.

The RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM is Canon’s portrait-length short telephoto that combines natural compression with a fast aperture, which will appeal to portrait photographers and hybrid creators. At launch, this is the longest prime in the VCM family, which boasts a compact body design, an 11-blade aperture with stunning edge-to-edge resolution, and high image quality.

Focusing with the VCM is fast, smooth, and quiet, with excellent focus breathing suppression. The iris ring is also smooth, and there’s a signature custom button and control ring for customisation. You can create creamy, smooth background blur and striking subject separation with such a bright aperture at this focal length, and Canon has developed optics that are capable of rendering high levels of detail and clarity, catering to professional users.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Key Features

• 85mm f/1.4L short telephoto prime for stills and video
• From Canon’s video‑focused VCM range with uniform size and design
• Fast, smooth, and quiet focusing with VCM technology
• L-series with professional construction and refined optical design
• 11‑blade aperture for rounded bokeh
• High edge‑to‑edge resolution with superb image quality
• Suppressed focus breathing for video
• Customisable control ring and function button

Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens in More Detail

Versatile 85mm focal length

The Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM provides photographers and filmmakers with a classic short telephoto focal length, with the benefit of being able to shoot handheld in low light. Its bright f/1.4 aperture opens up creative opportunities for refined portraits and subject‑driven scenes.

Ready for high‑end content creation

Canon includes advanced optical technology in this compact RF lens, which is capable of delivering high levels of sharpness and clarity across the frame. The 11‑blade aperture produces attractive bokeh for stills and cinematic video, while the well‑controlled focus breathing helps to keep framing consistent during focus transitions.

Intuitive control and fast, silent AF

This hybrid prime features a manual iris ring with clickless operation, which is ideal for smooth aperture changes during video. A customisable control ring and a lens function button also provide quick access to settings such as exposure compensation and focus hold.

Autofocus is driven by Canon’s original Voice Coil Motor technology, which delivers high torque and fast response with minimal noise, which is particularly useful for quiet environments.

Compact prime that is well balanced

The lens matches the proportions of Canon’s other L‑series hybrid VCM primes. The result is better balance when used with a gimbal or video rig, while enabling easy lens swaps without disrupting your setup. It’s also around half the size and weight of the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, delivering a significant leap in performance, handling and portability.

Other hybrid models in the series

The RF 85mm joins existing hybrid primes with similar size and performance across a range of focal lengths. Each features Canon’s VCM autofocus, a clickless iris ring, and professional L-series quality, for consistent results while shooting stills and video.

• RF 20mm f/1.4L VCM
• RF 24mm F1.4L VCM
• RF 35mm F1.4L VCM
• RF 50mm F1.4L VCM

What’s in the box

• Canon RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM Lens
• Lens caps

Specifications