According to CR, these two lenses will be announced next, so when is the official release date ?
Canon usually targets the late fall for these kinds of releases. Honestly, I'm perfectly satisfied waiting for the official launch of the Canon RF 24mm f/1.4L USM and the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 IS USM because I've found their native glass works well and doesnt have the glitchy issues you see elsewhere... no complaints here. If you're looking for solid performance without breaking the bank, just go with any lens from Canon. You really cant go wrong staying within the brand ecosystem tho. It's the most reliable way to go and definitely worth it for the long-term value. Staying native is just safer.
Regarding what #4 said about "I've been sticking with the cheaper RF primes..." - it's such a fantastic way to learn the ropes! I've been on a similar path, starting with the basics before realizing I needed that professional L-series edge for my portraits. I've actually been doing a bit of brand comparison while waiting for these new 1.4 lenses to drop...
- Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM: The autofocus is lightning fast and the weight is perfect, but I honestly missed the warm Canon colors I'm used to. It's great tech, just didn't feel right for my style.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM: This lens produces the most amazing images I've ever seen, but the size and weight are just too much for me to carry during a full day of shooting. I'm so incredibly hyped for the RF 24mm and 50mm 1.4 options! They seem to offer that perfect blend of high-end optics and portability. It's gonna be such a massive upgrade for my kit once they finally arrive!
Official dates usually follow about 4-6 weeks after the announcement, so we are likely looking at a late 2024 ship date. This is fantastic news! These are gonna be amazing for anyone who needs high-end glass without the bulk of the f/1.2 series. My technical tip: pay close attention to the filter thread sizes. If Canon keeps them consistent with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, you can share a single filter set across your whole kit. It basically saves a ton of money and space. Budget-wise, these f/1.4 primes are the smart play. You get that amazing L-series weather sealing and sharpness but save thousands compared to the heavier f/1.2 versions. Honestly, the weight savings alone make the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 IS USM a much better choice for long wedding days or street photography. Cant wait to see the MTF charts on the Canon RF 24mm f/1.4L USM because the wide-end optics on RF have been incredible so far! Love seeing this gap finally filled.
I've been sticking with the cheaper RF primes lately and they've been super reliable for my weekend shoots. Honestly, I'm satisfied because they just work every time without any weird firmware glitches. These new f/1.4 options seem like the logical next step for me once they finally hit the shelves. What I'm using now that works well:
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM which is about 180 bucks right now
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM for the image stabilization If you're like me and want to save some cash while waiting, I'd suggest looking at refurbished units from Canon directly. No complaints here with the results I get. If the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 IS USM stays around a reasonable price point, I'm definitely gonna grab it. Just hoping the autofocus is as snappy as the new Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM... that one looks amazing too.
In Q3 or Q4 of 2024.
