Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM

Reviewers find it sharp in the centre at f/1.8, with one test also rating the edges excellent wide open and another finding the corners slightly soft until f/2.8; it is at its best from f/2.8 to about f/8. Lateral colour and distortion are low, with only about 1% barrel distortion in raw files. Vignetting is the weak point at nearly 4 stops at f/1.8 uncorrected, and longitudinal fringing is visible wide open. One lab also measured focus shift on stopping down, which it linked to occasional AF misses.

Opinions on the STM autofocus vary: one test found it quick, quiet and reliable, another usable but not fast and audibly whiny. In video it makes slight clicks and whirs that a quiet scene can reveal. The stabiliser comes close to its 5-stop rating. Background blur is smooth with round highlights in the centre, though highlights distort toward the corners and foreground blur is busier. Build is solid plastic on a metal mount without sealing, and testers rate it as strong value.

Owners describe it as the lens that rarely leaves the camera, used for portraits, street, food and close-ups. They like the light weight, the sharpness, the half-life-size macro ability, and the stabiliser, which beginners on the IBIS-less EOS RP and R find especially useful in low light.

The recurring complaint is autofocus: one experienced owner reported hunting and inconsistent AF precision between copies, while still rating the optics highly. Most reviews are otherwise very positive and call it good value.