The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens combines wide-angle versatility with close-focusing capability in a compact, lightweight package designed for Canon EOS R system cameras. This lens blends the practicality of a 35mm prime with the specialty of a 0.5x (1:2) macro, offering photographers and filmmakers a flexible tool for street photography, environmental portraits, documentary work, and detailed close-ups.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens
At just 10.8 ounces and 2.47 inches long, the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM was one of the first lenses introduced alongside the EOS R system in 2018. It remains one of the most affordable and compact native RF lens, making it an ideal pairing with the EOS RP or any Canon mirrorless camera where size and weight matter.
Key Features of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM
The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM delivers practical performance across multiple shooting scenarios. Its f/1.8 maximum aperture provides solid low-light capability and control over depth of field, while 5-stop Hybrid Image Stabilization combines optical and electronic stabilization for smooth handheld shooting in both stills and video.
The lens achieves a minimum focusing distance of 6.7 inches (0.17m) with 0.5x maximum magnification, allowing for half life-size reproduction on the sensor. This close-focusing ability expands creative options for product photography, wedding details, botanical work, and any situation where working distance is limited.
- Canon RF mount for full-frame EOS R cameras
- 35mm focal length with 63-degree angle of view
- f/1.8 maximum aperture with rounded 9-blade diaphragm
- 0.5x (1:2) maximum magnification ratio
- Minimum focusing distance of 6.7 inches (0.17m)
- 5-stop Hybrid Image Stabilization for stills and video
- STM stepping motor for smooth, quiet autofocus
- 11 elements in 9 groups with Super Spectra coating
- Customizable control ring for direct setting adjustments
- 52mm filter thread
- 10.8 oz weight, 2.47-inch length
Optical Design and Image Quality
Canon's Super Spectra coating reduces flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in bright or backlit conditions. The 11-element, 9-group optical formula delivers sharp results across the frame, with particularly strong performance when stopped down to f/4 or smaller.
The rounded 9-blade aperture diaphragm produces smooth bokeh when shooting at wider apertures, though the 35mm focal length inherently provides less background separation than longer telephoto lenses. Shallow depth of field effects work best with close subject distances and distant backgrounds.
Autofocus Performance and Stabilization
The STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system provides smooth focus transitions ideal for video work. During stills photography, the STM motor operates fairly quickly but is not silent—you'll hear minor shuffling during focus acquisition. When recording video, the camera automatically slows down autofocus speed, and the motor becomes nearly silent.
Hybrid Image Stabilization provides up to 5 stops of shake correction by combining the lens's optical stabilization with the camera's electronic IS. This makes the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM particularly useful on EOS R cameras without in-body stabilization, enabling handheld shooting at shutter speeds as slow as 1/6 second with careful technique.
Build Quality and Handling
The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM features a plastic construction with a focus on portability rather than premium durability. It lacks weather sealing and uses an externally focusing design where the lens barrel extends when focusing closer. The extending barrel has a slightly different feel than the main lens body and may allow dust ingress over time in harsh conditions.
The lens includes two physical rings: a manual focus ring in the middle and Canon's customizable control ring toward the front. The control ring can be programmed to adjust aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, or other settings. A lens hood (EW-52) is sold separately and was not included with the original lens.
Compatible Cameras and Accessories
The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM works exclusively with Canon RF-mount cameras, including the EOS R, EOS RP, EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS R7, EOS R8, EOS R10, EOS R50, and all subsequent RF-mount bodies. It provides full compatibility with Canon's Macro Twin Lite and Macro Ring Lite flash systems for controlled close-up lighting.
Consider pairing this lens with protective camera bags and lens cases when traveling. The 52mm filter thread accepts standard UV, polarizing, and neutral density filters.
Who Uses the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM?
This lens serves photographers and filmmakers who prioritize portability and versatility. Street photographers value its compact size and natural 35mm perspective. Wedding photographers use it for detail shots of rings, invitations, and decorations where the 0.5x magnification and close focusing prove valuable. Travel photographers appreciate its light weight as a walk-around lens.
Documentary filmmakers and content creators benefit from the smooth autofocus transitions and effective stabilization during handheld video work. The lens also works as a budget-friendly backup to more expensive primes or as an entry point into the RF system for photographers upgrading from older Canon DSLRs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Magnification of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM?
The lens achieves 0.5x (1:2) maximum magnification, meaning subjects reproduce at half their actual size on the sensor. This is not true 1:1 macro reproduction but provides sufficient magnification for most close-up work including wedding details, product photography, and botanical subjects.
Does the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Have Weather Sealing?
No. The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM does not feature weather sealing. The externally focusing design and plastic construction make it less suitable for regular use in harsh weather or dusty environments. Care should be taken to protect the lens when shooting in challenging conditions.
Is the Lens Hood Included?
No. The lens does not ship with a hood. Canon offers the EW-52 lens hood as a separate accessory.
How Does the Autofocus Sound During Video?
During video recording, the STM motor slows down and operates nearly silently. The camera automatically adjusts focus speed for smoother transitions. During stills photography, the motor is faster but produces audible shuffling sounds that may be picked up by camera microphones when recording video with autofocus in stills mode.
Can I Use This Lens on Canon EF or EF-M Mount Cameras?
No. The RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM is designed exclusively for Canon RF-mount cameras and is not compatible with EF (DSLR) or EF-M (mirrorless APS-C) mount bodies. RF lenses cannot be adapted to EF or EF-M mounts due to the shorter flange distance of the RF system.
Shop the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM at Samy's Camera
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM delivers versatile performance in a compact form factor suited for everyday photography and video work. Whether capturing street scenes, environmental portraits, or detailed macro subjects, this lens provides a practical balance of focal length, aperture, and close-focusing capability. Shop now at Samy's Camera and pair it with lenses and accessories for your complete RF system setup.
