Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM vs Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is 100mm, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM for zoom, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.4x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 485g (1.07 lb) it's lighter than the 730g (1.61 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM opens to f/1.4 vs the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is 100mm, Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is $1,249, $150 under the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM reaches 1.4x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is 485g (1.07 lb) vs 730g (1.61 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM or the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is 100mm, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM for zoom, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.4x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM?
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 485g (1.07 lb) it's lighter than the 730g (1.61 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM opens to f/1.4 vs the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 24° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | VCM |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 26 cm | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.4x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,399 | $1,249 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 81.5mm | 84.4mm |
| Length | 148mm | 107.9mm |
| Weight | 730g (1.61 lb) | 485g (1.07 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
