Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM § 03 Head to head
Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM vs Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4
Canon 50mm f/1.4 is 97 g lighter. Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 has a physical aperture ring.
The Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM is a 50mm f/1.4 prime, and the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM 
Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM better than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4?
- 97 g lighter (580 g vs 677 g)
- 24 mm shorter (76.5 mm vs 100 mm long)
- Focuses 10 cm closer (0.4 m vs 0.5 m)
- More aperture blades (11 vs 10)
Why is the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 better than the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM?
- Has a physical aperture ring
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM has the edge: it is 97 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM | Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| 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 | 580 g ◆ | 677 g |
| Dimensions | 99.3 x 76.5 mm | 100 x 77.4 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.40 m ◆ | 0.5 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 11 ◆ | 10 |
| Optical construction | 14 elements / 11 groups | 14 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon RF | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF |
| Released | 2024 | — |
| Price | $1,399 launch price | — |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Carl
- 76.5 × 99.3 mm
- 100 × 77.4 mm
The Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 is 23 mm longer and 97 g heavier than the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM.
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Sample frames
Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4?
- The Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM weighs 580 g, 97 g less than the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 (677 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4?
- The Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM focuses down to 0.4 m, against 0.5 m for the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4.
- Do the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM and the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 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 50 mm f/1.4L VCM or the Carl Zeiss Otus ML 50 mm f/1.4 better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Canon RF 50 mm f/1.4L VCM has the edge: it is 97 g lighter to carry.
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