Does 35L just flat out miss focus sometimes? I am using it on 1D3 and 5D2. I don't think there's any issue with my lens - recent copy, low MA numbers. But sometimes, it just totally whiffs focus when shooting at f/1.4. I see this happen if I setup using a tripod and cable release, which helps rule out learning curve...
I have read 5D3 is 'better' with 35L, is this what people are referring to??
I thought about sending my 1D3 to Canon to see if there's any adjustments they can do, but I don't really want to waste my time and money if this is just something that 35L does (and yes I have read some threads here and on POTN about 1D3 and 35L not always getting along so well)...
When I had my 1D3 (blue dot, when the camera was first released), the thing could not focus worth a damn with the 35L. If I recall correctly, I believe other users were indicating the same thing.
My 5D2 would nail focus using the center point at a very high percentage with that lens. As expected, the outer points were hit & miss.
gvg45 wrote:
When I had my 1D3 (blue dot, when the camera was first released), the thing could not focus worth a damn with the 35L. If I recall correctly, I believe other users were indicating the same thing.
My 5D2 would nail focus using the center point at a very high percentage with that lens. As expected, the outer points were hit & miss.
Waaaah, that's what I was afraid of. My 1D3 is well beyond the AF recall... It absolutely nails focus with the 40 STM (granted, f/2.8) so I was hoping it would be equally sure footed with 35L.
Recently tried two different copies of 35L from my friends and got it again (3rd time) , it is great on 5D3 for sure. I just can't resist this lens images results also tired of waiting for mk II of it.
Also I never been happy with this lens on 1D3 or 4. I use to do MA to the max numbers to make it close to be good (on 1D3 or 4).
I was looking at your gear list today and wondered. I'd swear that it said 5D2 earlier today!
I think I will absolutely love it... And DH did not murder me, so I think it's gonna all be good! I am very much hoping Canon provides a firmware fix to allow AF at f/8 so I can use a TC on my 500/4.5.
I got it about 2 weeks ago now. Sold my 1d3 and 5d2 and have no regrets at all. Got it from a VERY nice American who bought two from the Adorama eBay deal! He got little to no profit for the deal, and I got a brand new mk3!
The interface takes some getting used to (image review was a shocker), but surprisingly easy to get used to.
gvg45 wrote:
I love your problem solving skills Michelle.
Heh, the recent price drop pushed me over the edge, so to speak. Roger's ImaTest results with 5D3 and the new lenses showing incredible focus accuracy also compelled me. I can see making a small very lovable kit out of 24 IS, 40 STM, 70-300, plus 35L for a fast lens.
Don't expect 100% hit rate, even with the 5D3. That DOF is still razor thin and I've yet to see any camera cope completely all the time with fast aperture lenses under close scrutiny. But you've definitely improved your chances.
gvg45 wrote:
I love your problem solving skills Michelle.
+1
Ha-ha! Michelle, you are a quality person! I love your abbreviated kit, even though I'm not much for a tele-zoom, you seem able to cover everything with great detail by just adding the 5D3. Looking forward to your next set of photos.
Sir_Loin wrote:
Don't expect 100% hit rate, even with the 5D3. That DOF is still razor thin and I've yet to see any camera cope completely all the time with fast aperture lenses under close scrutiny. But you've definitely improved your chances.
Come on 35L II. I really am OK with near misses. I am not so great with patently WTH misses!
I wanted 35L for 1D3 because I use outer focus points all the time, and using it on 5D2 with focus and recompose seems useless (might as well stick with my MF Samyang in that case).
Since 35L hates 1D3, and I still feel like 5D2 is a cold fish to handle, it's time to go big or go home.
Ha-ha! Michelle, you are a quality person! I love your abbreviated kit, even though I'm not much for a tele-zoom, you seem able to cover everything with great detail by just adding the 5D3. Looking forward to your next set of photos.
Agree about telezoom. I use it once and a great while, mostly for equestrian photos and that sort of thing where I've gotta have a zoom. Otherwise, give me primes!!
My 35mmL required +17 AFMA with my 5D MK III, but AF was fast and accurate, even at f/1.4.
I sent it to Canon and they adjusted the lens on their reference 1D MK III, and it was right on after that. However, it had no AF issues other than AFMA.
I got to do a decent bit of shooting with 35L in various conditions, indoors, outdoors, after sundown, wind blowing everything around, I took shots of squiggly goats at f/2. I tried shooting with servo and one shot, center and off center points...
Results were nothing short of fantastic on 5D3. Not sure if MA is needed or not, it's pretty decent at f/1.4.
Sample of Fat Patty, squiggly thing at f/2 & servo.
Washed up rose at f/1.4, blowing around in the wind. Shot using servo, HH, leaning waaay over a fence. Normally I don't bother to shoot if the wind is blowing like it was tonight. I thought the camera did pretty well! OH, and bonus credits for how well it did using off center focus points.
, it is great on 5D3 for sure. I just can't resist this lens images results also tired of waiting for mk II of it. 
