VCM unit
Looking ahead, the potential benefits of the RF mount are not limited to high image quality; it also offers the potential to enhance AF, operability, and mobility. Canon is pursuing advances in all of these areas. Actuators are no exception. Rather than simply rely on the drive systems that pioneered the RF lens era — such as Ring USM, STM, and Nano USM — Canon continues to pursue even higher levels of performance with technical advances that meet the needs of photographers. A good example of this progress is the newly developed Voice Coil Motor (VCM) actuator.
This new Canon technology converts electrical energy to kinetic energy using the power of magnets (a magnetic field). The coil is operated by moving the driving magnet back and forth, to shift the position of the magnetic field. This adjusts the position of the focal lens unit, which is attached to the coil linearly. Compared to conventional actuators, this technology enables swift and accurate, yet quiet movement of the focal lens group, even with lenses that are large and bulky.
The RF35mm f/1.4L VCM also provides electronic floating focus control by using VCM and Nano USM actuators in tandem. The VCM drives the heavier focus lens group while the lighter, floating lens group is driven by a compact Nano USM. By controlling the position of each lens group separately, the lens can achieve swift, smooth focus even with large-diameter lenses. The evolution of RF lenses continues unabated, making them the lens of choice for both still photos and movies.
