As a longtime Canon shooter myself back in the day, I know the struggle of trying to find that perfect “do everything” lens. I also know the joy of finally finding that same lens that would serve you well in a wide variety of situations.

With this new mirrorless generation though, there’s been a debate about which—if any—lens is the best for these Canon R line cameras. Of course, the answer will undoubtedly be different for every shooter based on their own preferences and needs, but we do have a contender for the best Canon RF lens.

Let’s take a look at this new video review from YouTuber Christopher Frost to see what he thinks of the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 and how it might be the perfect lens for you.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8...on a 32.5mp Canon EOS R7youtu.be

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens

So what’s interesting about this video review is that it’s specifically about how Canon’s most popular 35mm lens fits onto a 32.5MP Canon EOS R7 with its APS-C sized sensor. Which, if we’re being honest, is the ideal length for a “do everything” lens with this sensor size as it should give you a good standard field of view that’s neither too wide angle or telephoto.

Currently retailing at just $1,500 these days, the Canon R7 is no flagship camera from Canon these days, yet for its price it’s indeed quite popular and capable. Still, with this sensor you’re going to need a quality lens to make sure your images are looking as sharp and crisp as possible, and the RF 35mm f/1.8 should give you plenty of control.

What Makes a “Do Everything” Lens?

A black Canon 35mm lens

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macros Lens

Canon

​Now, as you can see in the full lens review above, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 lens shines for its versatility across different cameras and sensor types. For a full-frame camera like the Canon R5 (the better sibling to the R7), the 35mm f/1.8 should be a great wide-angle option that takes in a great deal of information, but still retains that crisp look.

As someone who’s bagged multiple cameras with different sensor sizes in the past, having a flexible lens like the 35mm can be a godsend when trying to mix and match cameras and lenses on the fly. With a 35mm lens (and it doesn’t have to be this one) you can rest assured that you’ll be able to use it in most circumstances and on most shoots.

This is really what makes a “do everything” lens a do-everything lens. Of course, you might not look to shoot telephoto with it, but if you’re creative on set and embrace some of these sensor sizes you should be able to get both wide and tight with a fast lens like this as you can see in the videos above.

Specs and Pricing

Ultimately though, any lens options for your Canon mirrorless cameras or other setups are going to come down to your budget and personal preferences. However, with a price point well below $500 at this point, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro lens is going to be a great and flexible option out there.

It should pair great with your APS-C sensor cameras or your full frames, and it should just barely provide enough high-end sharpness to really let you choose your perfect focus for any variety of shots.

Here are the full specs and price point:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/22
  • Super Spectra Coating
  • STM Stepping AF Motor
  • 1:2 Max. Magnification, 6.7" Min. Focus
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Price: $399.00

How do you feel about possibly bagging this Canon RF 35mm f/1.8? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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