RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS

Reviewer verdict

Across 22 YouTube reviews, the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS earns an Index score of 3.5/5, ranking #48 among Lenses. Reviewers most often praise its features, value for money, portability, while the most common criticisms concern autofocus, image quality.

The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS is widely praised as a highly versatile, compact 35mm prime that combines strong general-purpose performance with useful 1:2 (0.5x) macro capability; these features were repeatedly highlighted across many reviews (features, macro, portability and value themes dominated). Reviewers consistently praise its bright f/1.8 aperture, pleasing bokeh and strong central sharpness, plus reliable autofocus for stills and quiet, smooth AF in video modes. Its built-in optical image stabilization and a customizable RF control ring are frequently mentioned as valuable additions that make it especially good for handheld video, run-and-gun use and travel. Many reviewers also note excellent value for money and light weight, making it an attractive, affordable option within the RF lineup.

Common criticisms focus on the lens not being a true 1:1 macro and some compromises in image rendering and build: reviewers often point out noticeable vignetting, chromatic aberration, flare/green fringing and softer corners or contrast wide open at f/1.8. Autofocus received mixed feedback with many reviewers reporting slower or noisier STM focusing in photo mode, hunting at macro distances, long focus throws and some focus breathing, especially during large focus shifts or close-to-far transitions for video. Build-quality complaints recur as well, primarily the absence of weather sealing, a plastic construction with a tromboning front barrel that extends when focusing, and the control ring placement or rear cap annoyances; some also lament the lack of an included hood or pouch.

Analysis based on 22 YouTube reviews (3h 13m of video) with 242 pros and 148 cons extracted.

Pros (242)

Cons (148)

Review sources

• Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro - Good for video? 16 pros, 17 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM 'Macro' lens review with samples by Christopher Frost — 16 pros, 14 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f1.8 STM 'Macro' Review with sample images - sharp enough for the EOS R5? 12 pros, 14 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Review - My New Favorite! by Kasper Garam — 13 pros, 13 cons
• Canon RF35mm F/1.8 IS Macro - 3 Year Review 15 pros, 8 cons
• THIS is the FIRST RF lens you should buy - Canon RF 35mm 1.8 Review by James Reader — 16 pros, 5 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Review: Is this the BEST budget RF lens? by Jason Pischke — 14 pros, 6 cons
• Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS: Review | 4K by Dustin Abbott — 9 pros, 11 cons
• Should you buy the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro? | Review by Björn Petersen — 15 pros, 5 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f1.8 IN DEPTH review - NO-BRAINER for EOS R! by Gordon Laing — 13 pros, 5 cons
• The Worst Canon Mirrorless Prime Lens: RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM Lens Review 15 pros, 3 cons
• The FIRST Canon RF Lens You Should Buy - Canon RF 35mm F/1.8 Review 10 pros, 7 cons
• Canon RF 35mm F1.8 STM Lens (Real World Review) 12 pros, 5 cons
• Canon RF 35mm F/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | In Depth Review 9 pros, 8 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f1.8 IS Review | Part 1 7 pros, 10 cons
• Review - Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM - A No Brainer by Gear doesn’t matter — 13 pros, 2 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 "Macro" Long Term Review 8 pros, 6 cons
• Review: The Canon EOS RF 35mm f1.8 Macro v. the Canon EF 35mm f1.4L II USM for R5 Mirrorless Camera by John Gress — 6 pros, 4 cons
• Canon RF 35mm F/1.8 Review (Video & Photo Samples) 9 pros, 1 cons
• Canon 35mm F1.8 Is it a MUST HAVE lens? Sample Images shown! 7 pros, 2 cons
• MUST HAVE Budget RF Lens | Canon 35mm RF 1.8 by Creative Ryan — 6 pros, 2 cons
• Canon RF 35mm f1.8 STM 'Macro' Review with sample video 1 pros, 0 cons

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