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Archive 2014 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM

  
 
TSLA
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I'm in a dilemma right now - I don't know if I should or shouldn't buy a Canon 35 f2 IS. With that, I'm hoping those of you with experience with the 35 f2 IS can help me settle this dilemma.

My dilemma stems from not knowing if the picture quality and usefulness of the 35 f2 IS compared to the 24-105 [used at 35mm] are worth the ~$500 price. Just to clarify, I know, at least I've read, that the picture quality of the 35 f2 IS is better than the picture quality of the 24-105 at 35, and of course, with an aperture of f2, it's also more useful. In other words, I'm not asking if it's a better lens, I'm just asking if it's worth the ~$500 if I already have a lens with which I can shoot 35mm.

I anticipate using this lens primarily for lifestyle shots and portraits around the house. Although the low light advantage of this lens over that of the 24-105 would be appreciated, it's not really a huge factor since I tend to use a speedlite when taking lifestyle pictures around the house. I'd also appreciate the better contrast of this lens (from what I've read), but that's not a huge factor either since I can adjust contrast in post. I guess the biggest advantage of this lens over the 24-105 for me would be the better sharpness and the better bokeh when shooting portraits. Is there anything else that would be an advantage of using this lens over the 24-105 at 35mm?

I don't really need the lens, but I do want it, which in my case is sometimes a more compelling reason to buy a lens than actually needing it. Any comments/opinions will be much appreciated.



Nov 28, 2014 at 03:05 PM
popinvasion
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I own both and use the 35 9 out of 10 times. The 35 is a great lens. The 24/105L is an ok lens, great at nothing but passable.


Nov 28, 2014 at 03:14 PM
incredibleting
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I debated getting the 35 f2 is as well. Bit the bullet and bought one from FM and now it is my favorite and most used lens. The quality and versatility are just amazing.


Nov 28, 2014 at 03:22 PM
Gunzorro
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I agree with the other posters. I love the 24-105 as the most versatile lens, but the 35 IS is incredible and I often go solo with it, or in combination with the 24 IS for outdoor walks.


Nov 28, 2014 at 04:00 PM
chez
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


Another option to consider is the 16-35 f4. Gives you great flexibility, especially indoors in tight areas. My understanding though the 35mm range is not the best for the 16-35.


Nov 28, 2014 at 04:05 PM
Gochugogi
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I'd say if spending $500 will make you neglect family, bills or meals, nope not worth it. If it's extra money you can afford to burn, go for it and treat yourself to a nice new toy.

I own both the 24-1054L and 35 2.0 IS and like them both but for different purposes. To me the main attraction of the prime is the extra portability and stealth it has over the zoom. I don't mind carrying it mounted to my camera all day whereas I'd think twice about humping that zoom around if I wasn't sure I'd need it. Also, I shoot hand held on the street in dim light so F2.0 and IS get me shots the zoom can't touch.

My EF 35 2.0 IS USM review:

http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/canon_ef35_2.0is_usm.htm

Edited on Nov 28, 2014 at 11:54 PM · View previous versions



Nov 28, 2014 at 06:34 PM
Jo Dilbeck
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


Well worth the investment when a wider aperture is needed. IQ is very good, not 35f1.4 good, but almost.



Nov 28, 2014 at 07:31 PM
EyeBrock
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


The 35 F2 IS is a great lens. Personally I prefer it over the 35L. It's a lot lighter, cheaper, has IS and I think the bokeh is more pleasing. Obviously its F2 vs 1.4.

The 24-105 is a bargain these days but I was never a fan. It's a solid lens but from my subjective point it lacks a certain something for me. Soul maybe?

Get the 35.



Nov 28, 2014 at 11:18 PM
Shield
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


EyeBrock wrote:
The 35 F2 IS is a great lens. Personally I prefer it over the 35L. It's a lot lighter, cheaper, has IS and I think the bokeh is more pleasing. Obviously its F2 vs 1.4.



More pleasing bokeh than the 35L? Have you owned and shot both lenses?

I have owned the 35/2 IS twice and I'm on my 2nd 35L. The 35L has far better colors, contrast, bokeh and is sharper in the center @ F/2 and vignettes much less at that F stop as well. I really liked the 35IS but LOVE the 35L. I found the 35/2 IS far too clinical with so-so bokeh.



Nov 28, 2014 at 11:49 PM
EyeBrock
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


Shield wrote:
More pleasing bokeh than the 35L? Have you owned and shot both lenses?

I have owned the 35/2 IS twice and I'm on my 2nd 35L. The 35L has far better colors, contrast, bokeh and is sharper in the center @ F/2 and vignettes much less at that F stop as well. I really liked the 35IS but LOVE the 35L. I found the 35/2 IS far too clinical with so-so bokeh.


I sold my 35L and got the 35 IS. So it's my subjective view. I much prefer the bokeh on the F2, specular highlights come out rounder as opposed to the angular 35L ones . I think you are right on the colours though, the L has the edge.

The F2 does vignette but LR sorts that out. This kind of stuff really is in the eye of the beholder. I tried to love the 35L but it just didn't happen! The MTF charts on the two look pretty similar but my F2 seems to be sharper than my copy of the 35L was. That aside I'm sure your view on the two is correct for you!

Cheers!



Nov 29, 2014 at 12:36 AM
takowasa
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I'd take the 35 / 2 IS + 85 / 1.8 over the 24-105 / 4L IS any day. Others wouldn't. Depends on what matters most to you, I suppose.


Nov 29, 2014 at 03:13 AM
sb in ak
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I've owned the 24-105L but not the 35. Though I've done a lot of armchair reviewing of the 35 f/2 IS as I was considering that lens vs. the 35L and the Sigma (I settled on the 35L after the big refurb sale recently, though I haven't received it yet). Personally, I'd take the prime for the extra two stops of light gathering ability indoors and the shallower depth of field ability. But it kind of boils down to whether you want the versatility of the zoom or not. Personally, I think I'm actually a more creative photographer when I force myself into a single focal length.

The 24-105L isn't a bad lens. I just never felt terribly inspired by it.



Nov 29, 2014 at 03:37 AM
TSLA
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


Thanks for all of your responses. Your responses confirmed what I had thought about the 35mm f2 IS in relation to the 24-105 at 35 - the 24-105 at 35 is not necessarily a substitute, but it's good enough. I'll likely hold off for now and get an ultra wide angle lens instead since, with the exception of a fisheye lens, I don't have anything wider than 24mm. I rented a 16-35 last week and realized how much I had been missing in terms of ultra wide. I'll definitely get the 35 f2 IS one day, though. Thanks again!


Nov 29, 2014 at 01:42 PM
RedRinger
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I agree with everyone else about the versatility of the zoom lens. For creative work or fun though, I'd much prefer primes. That being said, I'm growing fond of the 35-40 mm FOV and in that I find the 35 f/2 IS on a FF camera as a superb set up.

This lens is gorgeous, potent, well made and light. I liked it so much that I went ahead and bought a 28 F/2.8 IS for my 70D.

These are a couple of examples with 5D3:







5D MarkIII + 35 f/2 IS @1/13s; f/5.6; ISO1600







5D MarkIII + 35 f/2 IS @1/8s; f/5.6; ISO2500




Nov 29, 2014 at 04:13 PM
chas1113
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


EyeBrock wrote:
The 35 F2 IS is a great lens. Personally I prefer it over the 35L. It's a lot lighter, cheaper, has IS and I think the bokeh is more pleasing. Obviously its F2 vs 1.4.

The 24-105 is a bargain these days but I was never a fan. It's a solid lens but from my subjective point it lacks a certain something for me. Soul maybe?

Get the 35.


+1 on this. The 35 f/2 IS is plenty of lens if you don't need 1.4. And likewise, I do prefer the bokeh of the IS version. I am using my 24-105mm less and less these days. The focus of my copy is spot on and instantaneous with my 5D3. Great little lens!



Nov 29, 2014 at 06:01 PM
daleg
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


don't dismiss the lowly 35mm f2 non-IS. for half the price you would struggle to define differences from the IS version - save the obvious stabilization. taking nothing from the 35mm IS, a great lens...


Nov 30, 2014 at 09:02 AM
Gochugogi
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


I bought the EF 35 2.0 in 1992 and used it for 22 years before updating to the 35 2.0 IS. A darn tooting' little lens but can't say I miss it at all. While many make a big deal of the newer optic's sharper corners and lower CA I found those improvements inconsequential to my shooting style (wide open and from the hip). The big deal is the greatly improved AF. I missed a lot of low light shots with the EF 35 2.0. The 35 2.0 IS locks fast and sure in light the older optic just racked back and forth in. And, yeah, those extra 3 stops of hand held shooting are handy too.


Nov 30, 2014 at 11:55 AM
johnctharp
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


daleg wrote:
don't dismiss the lowly 35mm f2 non-IS. for half the price you would struggle to define differences from the IS version - save the obvious stabilization. taking nothing from the 35mm IS, a great lens...


It's not just the optics- which received a hefty upgrade in a number of ways- but also the build quality, AF speed and accuracy, and the IS of course. The upgrade to USM is a pretty big deal, all things considered.



Nov 30, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Caleb Keiter
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


FWIW, I sold my 24-105 f/4L and bout the 35mm f/2 IS. I spent 35 days with this new lens and created an in-depth review. Check it out if you're interested. I HIGHLY recommend the lens. It's an absolute joy to shoot with.

http://www.calebkeiter.com/canon-35mm-f2-is-usm-lens-review/



Dec 11, 2014 at 10:07 PM
scottam10
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Canon 35mm f2 IS USM


Everyone should at least try shooting with a fast prime like a 35mm, 50mm or 85mm.

Yes you lose the ability to zoom but the fast aperture gives you options like shallow depth of field and the ability to shoot in low light without a flash, along with the sharp optics of course.

I find primes are particularly well suited to shots of people - shoot in Av and choose a large aperture setting. I find them less useful for landscapes when you're stopping down anyway, though of course you'll usually get sharper images from a prime especially in the corners.

I recommend a 35mm and/or 85mm, depending on your preference - do you prefer the wide end or the telephoto end of your 24-105?



Dec 11, 2014 at 10:18 PM
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