Great wide angle portrait lens
This lens is great in low light and is an amazing portrait and wide angle lens. There IS some vignetting wide open, but it's not a big issue for me because I actually like a little vignetting. This lens produces very nice Bokeh wide open. This is a great wedding and portrait lens. I would definitely have this any day over the 35mm 2.0. It is worth saving the money for.
June 12, 2012
Great lens
I purchased the Canon 35mm f/1.4 L USM for use with a Canon 7D & 5D Mk II.
This lens is excellent on both cameras and is sharp from f/1.4 through f/11 (after which it softens - but is still very good).
It is basically L quality glass with a plastic body no L designation and of course no soft bag or even a lens hood which remains an optional accessory. This is why I gave the 3 - 4 star ratings. In light of the quality and cost these items should be included (IMO) never the less it is excellent glass and I would highly recommend it with the above notices.
May 8, 2012
My only lens
I use this lens on a full frame body, it is the only lens i own, or need. i shoot landscsape and portraits. learning to shoot at 1.4 is a bit of a task, but not a painful one, it was fun practicing the technique. it's sharp all throughout the apertures, and yes, it's heavy but you'll carry the weight with pride.
March 27, 2012
Happy with Purchase
I was hesitant about purchasing this lens first because I already have 24-70mmL. But after I’ve seen enough sample images taken by this lens, I decided to go for it. These are my result of comparison.
CONS: 35mmL has significant chromatic aberration (purple fringes) at f1.4, probably up to almost f4 on 5DMkII. It’s much worse on APS-C sensor (50D in my case). On the other hand there is no CA problem with 24-70mmL @35mm & f2.8, maybe a little green fringes on 50D, but very minor. Some say soft on the edge and maybe so but I never noticed. Mine looks pretty sharp all across to me. It may look soft if shooting subject is covered with purple fringes.
PROS: It’s a bit sharper than 24-70mmL. It focuses much faster in low light and fairly accurate. Color is very vibrant and bokeh is awesome especially in the middle. It’s compact and much lighter weight but built pretty solid. I honestly don’t understand people who complain it as a heavy lens. (Actually it is heavier than 17-40mm but still...) It also can be a premium standard lens for APS-C sensor.
In my opinion 35mmL has very strong character. Both 35mmL and 24-70mmL are sold at very close price range. 24-70mmL has, off course, advantage of zoom with fairly wide consistent aperture (f2.8). It is weather sealed so you can take it to the severe weather conditions. (Make sure your camera is weather sealed also.) But 35mmL can offer something 24-70mmL cannot. That’s the art of wide aperture. Price/Value is always up to people. All I can say is I love my 35mmL from the first shot despite its down side.
February 15, 2012
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