Stock Notice: Canon RF 24 f/1.4L VCM and RF 50 f/1.4L VCM

[jeffa4444]

As per usual the US gets the new products first Canon doesn’t seem to consider European customers “worthy” even though we pay them more for them!
Anyway my dealer told me they will not get either the RF 24mm f1.4L VCM or the RF 50mm f1.4L VCM until December 20th and they are one of the largest in the UK. As that’s a Friday I will not likely see the lenses until December 23rd 1.5 weeks after the US. Still they told me I was the first person to order them from them so I should be in the first batch.

 

[[email protected]]

I just checked- Tue Dec 17th - and both the 24 and the 50mm f1.4 are available on Amazon USA. Both lenses not available here in Dubai, not even on the official Canon Store:

 

[KirkD]

I'm in Canada and got an email yesterday from Camera Canada that the RF 24 f1.4L I'd pre-ordered was in. I promptly paid for it and it's on its way. I should have it in a day or so. This will be my astrophotography lens until Canon comes out with a fast ultra-wide. I already have the RF 15-35L f2.8 but I much prefer shooting at f1.4.

 

[jeffa4444]

So Ive had the RF 50mm f1.4L VCM since late December 2024. Ive mainly shot portraits with it and compared it to the f1.8 and the f1.2L lenses.
The 50mm f1.4L VCM shoot more like a 48mm lens whereas the f1.2L lens is more like 52mm. The bokeh is definitely better in its transition on the f1.2L but that's not to say the f1.4L is bad it's not it too has great bokeh. The sharpness across the field is better in the f1.4L lenses but the f1.2L if enlarged to 200% is marginally sharper in the centre. The f1.4L focuses quicker, is silent, has virtually no focus breathing but like its f1.2L brother flares when the subject is backlit like in golden hour. Interestingly the f1.8 lens has the least flare when backlit and for the price is a steal.

a. RF 50mm f1.8 - The budget lens that punches above its weight for the price

b. RF 50mm f1.4L - The best hybrid choice and still a great bokeh lens for stills. The best all-rounder with no focus breathing

c. RF 50mm f1.2L - The ultimate bokeh king with character. The first choice for weddings and professional portraits

Personally the new RF 50mm f1.4L VCM is the best out of the current VCM lineup and the one out of the 50mm lenses that will stay in my bag (I own all three).