SUMMARY
Gordon Laing directly compares the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM and Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, noting their similar size, weight, and price but distinct performance. While both lenses exhibit vignetting at f/1.4, the Canon shows more barrel distortion and corner vignetting corrected by profiles. The Canon offers crisper center detail for portraits, while bokeh is a draw. A key difference is focus breathing, with the Canon minimizing it for video and the Sony exhibiting more, which aids its close-up reproduction. Canon users have limited third-party options, whereas Sony users can also consider the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art.
TAKEAWAYS
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM and Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM are compared for size, price, and optical performance.
Canon excels in center detail for portraits and minimizes focus breathing for video.
Sony shows less geometric distortion and offers better close-up reproduction due to focus breathing.
Bokeh quality is comparable, and both lenses have similar vignetting at f/1.4.