Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM § 03 Head to head
Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM vs Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4
Canon 35mm f/1.4 is 143 g lighter. Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 has a physical aperture ring.
The Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM is a 35mm f/1.4 prime, and the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 is a 35mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM 
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM better than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4?
- 143 g lighter (555 g vs 698 g)
- Focuses 2 cm closer (0.28 m vs 0.3 m)
- More aperture blades (11 vs 10)
- $800 cheaper ($1,499 launch price vs $2,299 launch price)
Why is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 better than the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM?
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2026 vs 2024)
02
Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM has the edge: it is 143 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM has the edge: it is 143 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM | Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35mm | 35mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 555 g ◆ | 698 g |
| Dimensions | 99.3 x 76.5 mm | 95.7 x 77.4 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.28 m ◆ | 0.3 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 11 ◆ | 10 |
| Optical construction | 14 elements / 11 groups | 15 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon RF | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF |
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
| Price | $1,499 launch price ◆ | $2,299 launch price |
04
Size
- A · Canon
- B · Carl
- 76.5 × 99.3 mm
- 77.4 × 95.7 mm
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 is 1 mm longer and 143 g heavier than the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM.
05
Sample frames
Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4?
- The Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM weighs 555 g, 143 g less than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 (698 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4?
- The Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM focuses down to 0.28 m, against 0.3 m for the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4.
- Do the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM and the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM has the edge: it is 143 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 35 mm f/1.4 better for travel?
- For travel, the Canon RF 35 mm f/1.4L VCM has the edge: it is 143 g lighter to carry.
08