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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
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12/04/2008 04:15:54 PM · #1
I'm wondering why more people don't own this lens. It gets good reviews. It has a better focusing reputation than the 50mm f/1.2L. Is it just an unpopular focal length?

Does anyone have anything to say about this lens?
12/04/2008 04:26:22 PM · #2
I rented this lens last month, it performed excellently - sharp, good contrast/color, no problems with focusing. But for me the particular perspective of the 35mm isn't so wonderful that I felt I needed to have it in a prime lens - that is, I can already shoot at 35mm with my 17-40 lens if I want to, and I don't "think" in that mm so much that it warrants having it as a prime. It's just a personal taste thing.

But it is an excellent lens - and for crop sensor cameras, it's a good 52-55mm equivalent lens.
12/04/2008 04:34:06 PM · #3
Originally posted by krnodil:

for me the particular perspective of the 35mm isn't so wonderful that I felt I needed to have it in a prime lens - that is, I can already shoot at 35mm with my 17-40 lens if I want to, and I don't "think" in that mm so much that it warrants having it as a prime. It's just a personal taste thing.

But it is an excellent lens - and for crop sensor cameras, it's a good 52-55mm equivalent lens.


a 2 stops advantage of a prime over a focal lenght equivalent zoom would be worth the switch every day for me. i switched my tokina 12-24 f4 for the sigma 20 1.8 for that reason.
if i had a crop factor canon body i'd have this lens!
on a full frame i'd rather get the 30 2.0 or 28 1.8 instead, but i guess that's a personal thing...

Message edited by author 2008-12-04 16:34:44.
12/04/2008 04:37:00 PM · #4
Originally posted by Bernard_Marx:

I'm wondering why more people don't own this lens. It gets good reviews. It has a better focusing reputation than the 50mm f/1.2L. Is it just an unpopular focal length?

Does anyone have anything to say about this lens?


I actually want this lens, havent got it yet due to its cost, but its on my "to get" list
12/04/2008 04:37:21 PM · #5
Yea, I guess it loses out to the 24-70 2.8L more often than not.
12/04/2008 04:41:54 PM · #6
I have the 24-70 mainly because of the range but I am very seriously considering the 35mm over it. I would love to go all primes eventually...or perhaps just have the 70-200 as the only zoom and then all primes :)
12/04/2008 04:57:56 PM · #7
Have to say I've started renting the lenses I'm interested in and I'm finding that sometimes my inclination was correct (that I would love and want the lens) and sometimes not - saving me expense on getting a lens I would only later sell because I didn't use it enough. Would recommend renting, as long as it's a reasonable rate.
12/04/2008 05:26:18 PM · #8
I wish Nikon had a 35 f/1.4. If they did, I'd buy it tomorrow. But alas they only offer the 35 f/2. Which I have and like, but f/1.4 would be lovely.
12/04/2008 05:38:56 PM · #9
Originally posted by Bernard_Marx:

I'm wondering why more people don't own this lens. It gets good reviews. It has a better focusing reputation than the 50mm f/1.2L. Is it just an unpopular focal length?

Does anyone have anything to say about this lens?


Because it's too expensive to justify. For that matter, so is the 50mm f1.2.

For me, the choice came down to the 35mm f2.0 or the 28mm f1.8. I chose the 28mm because it's a bit wider, it's faster and it's USM. The 35mm f2.0 is pretty much built like the 50mm f1.8.
12/04/2008 06:29:12 PM · #10
Originally posted by Bernard_Marx:

Yea, I guess it loses out to the 24-70 2.8L more often than not.


Horses for courses, though... the 24-70 is a great zoom, but it does not compete with either the 35/1.4L or 24/1.4L for what they are designed for, that is, exceptional versatility and performance in low-light. Both the 24/1.4 and 35/1.4 are exceptional lenses. The 24/1.4 is widely regarded as the best fast 24mm lens of *any* brand.
FWIW, I own both the 24-70 and the 24/1.4, and would not sell either; they both have their place. I only wish Canon would put out a 50mm that competes; the 50/1.2 is a disappointment with an unrealistically high price tag.
12/05/2008 07:58:18 AM · #11
I only wish Canon would put out a 50mm that competes; the 50/1.2 is a disappointment with an unrealistically high price tag.

Double true.
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