To add to the point above: the price is set at $1,499 and we're looking at a June 27th release date. I've spent years tinkering with my own gear, even going as far as shimmying old mount adapters and trying to DIY my own follow-focus rigs back when things were way more manual. Its been a journey, but honestly, Im really satisfied with where tech is going. This VCM setup looks like itll save me a ton of headache in the field compared to the old clunky systems I used to take apart just to get them to stop hunting. Quick question tho, are you mainly looking at this for cinema work or just high-end stills? And are you sticking to a strict budget or is there some wiggle room if you need extra filters for that 67mm thread?

Quick reply while I have a sec... I've been shooting with the old EF 35mm for basically forever, so I've been kinda cautious about this VCM thing. Usually, I'm a bit wary when they change up the motor tech like this since the old USM systems were just so reliable. But honestly, looking at the technical side of how that Voice Coil Motor works for video and stills, I'm pretty satisfied with what they've built here. The price is actually very reasonable for a professional L-series lens. I remember when I first swapped my old glass for RF and was worried about the focus-by-wire feel, but Canon really nailed the precision on the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM. Im gonna stick to my usual routine and probably grab mine from the Canon Online Store or maybe check Best Buy since I prefer having a solid return policy for big purchases. I've learned the hard way to be a bit picky with these high-end primes right at launch... just makes sense to have that peace of mind.

Re: "Been using this for years, no complaints" - you probably mean the EF version since this one is brand new, but I totally get the sentiment. Over the years, I've tried many 35mm primes and the L series has always been the workhorse of my bag. The conversation here pretty much covers the 1500 dollar price point and the June release, but the reliability of this new VCM system is what actually matters to me. Basically, VCM uses magnetic coils for focusing which means fewer moving parts rubbing together compared to older gear-based motors. It is built for those of us who beat our gear up daily and need something that wont quit on us. I've used the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM for nearly a decade and it never failed, so I'm hoping this VCM tech is just as bulletproof. If the price tag is too high tho, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a solid fallback even if it lacks that weather sealing. Ngl, the f/1.4 Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is gonna be worth it just for the build quality alone.

The US price is $1,499, you can pre-order at B&H Photo Video/Adorama. Release date on June 27th.

Been using this for years, no complaints

Just caught this discussion and wanted to add my two cents. Over the years, I've tried many different systems, moving between third-party brands and native glass to find the best balance of cost and performance. In my experience, there is a distinct difference in how the autofocus interacts with the camera body once you step away from the manufacturer's own line.

• I noticed my older non-native lenses would occasionally hunt in low light.
• The build quality on the one I got recently feels much more robust for outdoor work.
• Native software integration makes correcting distortion way easier in post-processing. Honestly, the price is pretty high for someone just looking to get a 35mm, but after my journey through different brands, I've found that consistency is what actually saves money in the long run. I'm curious to see how this new motor stacks up against the older tech in my current setup.