The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is a unique L-series lens for both still-image and video enthusiasts. It boasts a medium-telephoto focal length, a blazing fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, and top-notch optical design. On a full-frame camera, it offers one of the most common focal lengths for portraits, a timeless choice. The video side really shines with a dedicated manual iris ring and a silent VCM (Voice Coil Motor) for smooth focus. And guess what? Focus breathing is minimal on this versatile lens.
This lens has a lot going for it. You already know about the new VCM and Iris control ring, but there is so much more. You can attach filters to this lens with a front 67mm screw thread allows for screw-on filters. You also have a control ring and a control button both of which you can assign functions to. This lens is also dust and weather resistant, has one aspheric lenses, and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) to reduce ghosting.
The RF85mm F1.4 L VCM is part of a series of “hybrid” lenses that focus on video performance as much as still photography. One of these features is a change to how the focus system works. There is a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) that powers the focus unit. This focus motor works at an incredible speed and in near silence. One important note about the VCM is that it requires power to hold its position, so when the camera is off, or the lens is not attached to a camera, you may hear and feel slight movement. This is normal, and there is extra cushioning inside the lens to help prevent damage in this situation.
Again, thanks to the Canon RF lens mount, the RF85mm F1.4 L VCM lens offers great optical quality. Its optical design includes one UD lens and one aspheric lens as well as Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to reduce ghosting, and Fluorine coating on the front and rear lens surfaces to help mitigate smudges. On top of that, this lens features the same dust- and water-resistance found on L-series lenses with seals around the Control ring, focus ring, zoom ring, operation panel, and lens mount.
This lens is part of a family of “hybrid” lenses that focus on video creation as much as still photography. To that end, this lens features a manual iris control ring so you can smoothly change the aperture from f/1.4 to f/16 during video capture. Thanks to advancements in lens design, focus breathing on this lens is extremely minimal, and backlit images are sharp. Combine all of these features, and you’ve got a great video lens in your hands.
With a minimum focus distance of just under 2.5 feet, an f/1.4 aperture, and a uniquely portrait look you can capture some really compelling imagery that is sure to capture attention.
