Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM II: What a V2 Leak Means for Canon's Mirrorless Future
- Sinisa Zec Studio
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- Photography, Rumors
That original RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro was a smart, necessary launch lens. It was affordable, sharp enough, and gave early RF adopters a versatile prime that didn’t cost a fortune. But let’s be real. It was also loud, had atrocious focus breathing, and the build quality screamed “kit lens.” It was a compromise. A good one, for the price, but a compromise nonetheless.
The Short Answer: A rumored Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 V2 is all about fixing the original’s noisy STM motor for hybrid shooters and improving optical performance. Its existence signals Canon is finally maturing the RF lineup by building out the mid-tier, not just the budget and high-end extremes.
For years, the choice for Canon RF users at this focal length has been stark: this budget-friendly f/1.8 or the colossal, eye-wateringly expensive RF 35mm f/1.2L. There has been no middle ground. A version two isn’t just about fixing flaws; it’s about Canon finally acknowledging the massive gap in its lineup. It’s for the working professional who needs reliability but doesn’t have an L-series budget for every single lens.
What to Expect from a Version 2
This isn’t just speculation. Looking at the original’s weaknesses points directly to where Canon needs to invest. The priorities are obvious to anyone who has actually used the lens on a job.
- The Autofocus Motor: This is priority number one. The original STM motor is mechanically noisy. You can hear it grinding away, which is an instant deal-breaker for any serious video work where you’re using on-camera audio. The logical, almost certain upgrade is to a modern Nano USM motor. It would provide the fast, silent, and smooth focusing that hybrid shooters demand.
- Optical Performance: While decent in the center, the V1 is notably soft in the corners wide open and suffers from some nasty chromatic aberration. A new optical formula designed for higher-resolution sensors is a must. The biggest ask, however, is controlling the focus breathing. The way the frame visibly zooms in and out as you rack focus on the original is distracting and looks amateur.
- Build and Ergonomics: I wouldn’t expect an L-series tank, but a move toward the build quality of the RF 85mm f/2 would be a welcome step up. Better plastics, a smoother focus ring, and maybe—just maybe—a sliver of weather sealing would make this a true workhorse.
Years ago, when I was starting out, I bought a third-party “do-it-all” zoom because it was cheap. I took it to a dimly lit corporate event, and the autofocus hunted constantly. I remember the frustration of watching moments disappear while my lens buzzed back and forth, unable to lock on. I missed key shots of the CEO’s speech. That night taught me a hard lesson: reliability is not a luxury. A V2 of the RF 35mm is Canon’s chance to give its users that reliability without forcing them into a four-figure L lens.
What This Means for the RF System
A single lens refresh tells a bigger story. It shows Canon is done just establishing the RF mount’s beachhead. Now they’re fortifying their positions. They are circling back to refine the affordable lenses that form the backbone of most photographers’ kits.
As a Nikon shooter, I see this as a necessary move to compete. My own kit is built on primes like the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art—lenses that offer incredible performance without the first-party flagship price. Canon needs more of that. They need to prove the RF mount is for everyone, not just those with the deepest pockets. This potential RF 35mm f/1.8 II is the first real sign they understand that.
Technical Specifications (Original vs. Rumored V2)
| Specification | Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM (V1) | Rumored V2 Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | Unchanged |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | Unchanged |
| Autofocus Motor | Lead-screw type STM (Stepping Motor) | Nano USM (Expected) |
| Image Stabilization | Up to 5 Stops (Optical IS) | Maintained, possibly enhanced Coordinated IS |
| Optical Design | 11 elements in 9 groups | New optical formula for improved sharpness & breathing control |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.56 ft. / 0.17m | Similar, or potentially improved |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.5x (1:2) | 0.5x (Likely), 1.0x (Hopeful but unlikely) |
| Focus Breathing | Significant | Heavily suppressed (Expected) |
| Filter Diameter | 52mm | 52mm or 67mm |
| Weather Sealing | No | Possible addition at mount |
| Dimensions (DxL) | 2.93 x 2.47″ / 74.4 x 62.8 mm | Slightly larger/heavier possible |
| Weight | 10.8 oz / 305 g | Likely a small increase |
For more details on the current model, you can check out Canon’s official page.
My Verdict
- This is about video. The primary motivation for a V2 is a silent, smooth Nano USM autofocus motor to make this lens viable for hybrid creators. The current STM motor is a non-starter.
- It plugs a serious gap. Canon has a massive hole in its lineup between the cheap primes and the L-series monsters. This V2 is a sign they’re finally building the crucial mid-range.
- Manage expectations. Don’t expect L-series optics or build for a sub-$800 price. This will be an evolution, not a revolution. But for working photographers, it’s the evolution that counts.
Photo by Marcell Viragh on Unsplash.
