Mini Review - Canon 35/f1.4 L

[schmoelzel]

Well, as many of you know I recently purchased this very scarce and hard-to-find-in-stock lens. I have had a few PM's and emails asking me my various opinions of the 35F1.4 L and while I am no pro equipment reviewer, maybe my humble thoughts will be of some interest to someone! :)

First the lens............here's a picture of my 50F1.4 and the 35F1.4 side by side. As you can see, the 35 has more heft and is twice the size. It is also finished in typical L glass fashion; feels solid and weight is just right on my Canon 1D.........

http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/1.jpg



Some questions that I have received in the last few days after I posted some of my first shots with this lens:

Is it sharp? In a word, YES! I have a real weakness for sharpness and this lens does not disappoint. The DoF wide open is very narrow especially when you are close to your subject and that is where your focus point is critical. You can really get some crazy DoF effects if you tilt the camera and play around with the plane of focus.

Is it heavy? I find it the perfect weight with my 1D. It is easy to carry around (much easier than my 300 F4!!) but feels very stable. I have read over and over again that those with this lens feel 'inspired' when they have this attached to their camera body.

Is the bokeh nice? I love to isolate the subject from its' background and this lens has that ability in spades. I have noticed in the past couple of days that when I take shots further away from the subject, the background becomes less blurred but the subject seems to 'pop' out of picture. I think this is to do with the incredible contrast that this lens produces. Much the same effect that you get from the 135F2 L.........some refer to it as a '3-D' look.

Is it worth the money over the 35F2 version? Don't know that since I have never used the 35F2. I have read that optically they are very similiar. If so, the 35F2 is a hell of a bargain. I think with this lens what you pay for is the build quality and the better contrast and saturation that you can achieve. I haven't seen many shots taken with the 35F2 version that exhibit the '3-D' pop that this lens produces. I am happy to have spent the money on the lens and I guess that is what counts!!

I could conclude this with a more scientific and thorough set of test pics (brick walls, focus sheets etc etc) but I find that the most practical and informative shots taken with any lens are those that we all would take in everyday settings. Since I take mainly pictures of my daughter Julia, I will post a few more and let you all judge for yourself if this is a good lens or rather worth the $$ that is costs. In my humble opinion, I think it is and I am enjoying it immensely!! Thanks for looking and I hope this helps someone else come to a decision to pursue the purchase of this great piece of Canon glass. If anyone has any questions or statements concerning this lens or my little mini-review, just ask and I will try to answer as best as I can.......remember, I am not a professional review person so take all my observations with a grain of salt!! :D

http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/2.jpg



http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/3.jpg


http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/DRebelPix/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/35L-1D-FallColoursF.jpg

[cdhender]

Thanks for the review. Pretty much re-enforced what I've read about this lense: it's sharp, built well and performs well wide open. I have a 17-40 but I still want this lense. Now if I could just find an extra $1100 laying around to buy it.

[gramps]

WOW!!!!!!!! I think it's time to start saving the pocket change for another "L". Those shots are GREAT!!!!!

[roanjohn]

.............I'm salivating...............

slurp slurp!!!

Thanks for the review!!! Truly one of Canon's gem.

Ro1

[drisley]

Thanks Schmoelzel. Excellent review. And more stunning pictures to boot!
You can definately see the 3D effect, even in #1.
I know what you meant about the lens being inspirational. I feel like I can't take a bad picture when the 135L is on my camera.
Curious, how is the autofocus? I'm sure it's super fast, and accurate, right?
I think when Julia grows up, she will remember dad having a black box for a nose :)

[schmoelzel]

Drisley: AF is blazing fast in good light; little slower but nothing thats bothersome in dim settings. Yeah, AF is spot on......no error from guy with camera allowed!! Julia already thinks that I have one eye.........

Thanks for all the other comments......Ro1, stop salivating and just get out the cheque-book!!

[ed2day]

Wow, great shots. I'm particularly impressed with the color quality and bokeh--highlights seem to be perfect spheres. And of course sharp. I'm also impressed with the sharpness in the pic of the two lenses. Was that taken with your 135?

[Tom W]

Great shots, from a great lens. There's a reason that this is considered one of the best wide angle lenses around.

[blinking8s]

*sigh* i want one of those too....that sigma 30mm better hold up

[roanjohn]

Thanks for all the other comments......Ro1, stop salivating and just get out the cheque-book!!

*sigh*...........I wish it was that easy.............:confused:

Ro1

[schmoelzel]

Wow, great shots. I'm particularly impressed with the color quality and bokeh--highlights seem to be perfect spheres. And of course sharp. I'm also impressed with the sharpness in the pic of the two lenses. Was that taken with your 135?

The colour is amazing.....the shot of the two lenses was taken with the 100f2.8 Macro, a great lens in it's own right!

[eosster]

Man, my wallet is getting thinner and thinner, lol. Awsome images. Enjoy!!!

[ghocking]

These shots are not sharp, there are better than that. We need a new word for wow sharp.

[boomerang]

Schmoelzel- just wondering what your think about the 35 1.4 compared to the 50 1.4
As far as DOF, sharpness, AF....etc.

By the way excellent photos!

[drisley]

These shots are not sharp, there are better than that. We need a new word for wow sharp.
Hmm, yes indeed... let me think.... how about... "scrumtralescent"!

[roanjohn]

............. "scrumtralescent"!

that sounds DIRTY!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ro1

[drisley]

I knew somebody was going to think that! :)

[Miika]

Schmoelzel, what it is your post-processing workflow?

Miika

[condyk]

Very nice shots indeed ... and from a Canon L too!!

Shame about the kid tho' :lol: :lol:

Just joking. Beautiful child. So 3d you can even see her personality :)

[schmoelzel]

Schmoelzel- just wondering what your think about the 35 1.4 compared to the 50 1.4
As far as DOF, sharpness, AF....etc.

By the way excellent photos!

Both great optically but the AF and the build are years ahead on the L (that's why you get to pay $1200 and not $300!!) The colour and saturation are also in a different league with the 35 L. I really like the shots I can get out of the 50f1.4 but with the 1.3 crop it has a FoV of a 65mm lens........just doesn't feel as comfortable as the 35.

[schmoelzel]

Schmoelzel, what it is your post-processing workflow?

Miika

Miika:

Workflow is as follows:

1. Photomechanic to sort the pics
2. Convert RAW (always shoot RAW) in PSCS
3. Downsize to whatever size I am looking to print or view on computer.
4. Play around with curves, levels, saturation, until I like what I see....
5. Save for web
6. Import into Framemaker for frame

That's about it........unfortunately I am not a good enough photo-taker to to batch processing because every shot I normally try something a little different.

[Sam]

I liked your review of the lens. It's nice to see real world pictures rather than rulers and focus charts etc. My 35mm is in Philadelphia right now but it should be here by Friday :)

Your post has made me a little more anxious :)

[ayotnoms]

A nice, tight, comprehensive review of an awesome lens. I was very fortunate that the local retailer had a copy in stock because I'm loving it.

For the past 2 weeks, it's either been the 35mm or the 85mm mounted on my 20D. Only the 135mm remains to round out the "TRINITY". I predict a moment of weakness in the very near future...immediately followed by a weakness in my financial standing :( :)

Cheers

[Dante King]

OMG! I totally forgot about this post. Wonderful stuff.

Solinger, I dont even get a tracking number. Its coming thru my local shop. :(

Ayotnoms, I have to wait a tad before hitting that 85L button to make my Trin complete. OH, the humanity.

[Sam]

I didn't realize how much cheaper the 135 was compared to the 85 1.2 and the 35 1.4... I may get that lens in a few months. It'll be a great one to have after winter when we start going to the zoo and the park again.

[Dante King]

It is one beaute. I got one for a steal on FM forums. I see them posted there all the time for real bargans. mine is LNIB for 2 off sticker and no tax. :)

[rklepper]

Lovely shots. Thanks for sharing.

[Luckie8]

Sorry if this is a little out of topic, but how do you guys put your pics in that little frame looking thing around them?

[Krapo]

schmoelzel uses a PS plug-in called 'Extensis PhotoFrame'.
I got it and it is indeed very convenient and very easy to use.

Regarding the post topic, I am not satisfied with my 17-40 for portraits. The aperture is too narrow to get a '3-D' effect.
Since I want to give a try to photo journalism (just a try, I'm not a pro), I was hesitating between the 50 and the 35 f1.4.

Given your post schmoelzel, I think I have just made my mind...

[Sam]

Regarding the post topic, I am not satisfied with my 17-40 for portraits. The aperture is too narrow to get a '3-D' effect.
Since I want to give a try to photo journalism (just a try, I'm not a pro), I was hesitating between the 50 and the 35 f1.4.

Given your post schmoelzel, I think I have just made my mind...

You'll love it. I haven't had a chance to take it outside and give it a proper workout, but around the house it's been amazing.

[shaunknee]

More then a year has passed since you have posted this review of the 35L. Do you find you still use this lens as much?

I'm considering this lens to replace my 50 1.4 because I'm not happy with the softness in the lower apertures.

Are you happy with the results from indoor ambient light shooting ?

The 35 is a lot of Loonies!

[baybud]

it does have a good wide open performance but
I find my 35 peaks at around 2.8-5.6 with a fractional dip at 8-11 then progressively worse as diffraction kicks in, overall i love my 35L, it was front focusing like a bandit so i sent it up for calibration, i got it back this week and im delighted with it :)

[glowie]

i love mine :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/stoner_on_a_bicycle/lePix/aly_blow.jpg

[schmoelzel]

More then a year has passed since you have posted this review of the 35L. Do you find you still use this lens as much?

I'm considering this lens to replace my 50 1.4 because I'm not happy with the softness in the lower apertures.

Are you happy with the results from indoor ambient light shooting ?

The 35 is a lot of Loonies!

It is very expensive but I find I still use it quite a lot! The IQ is great and I think the best thing to do if you're not sure is try a 35F2 for a bit and see if you like that focal length. I know that I like 35mm a lot more with my 1.3X crop 1D than I did with the 1.6X crop of the DRebel I used to use. Same goes for the 50F1.4......I used to have one but didn't use it much when I moved to the 1D. I find it sharp wide-open (the 35L) and at F2 it is razor sharp!

[Double Negative]

The 35mm f/1.4L is a fantastic lens... Everything the 35mm f/2.0 is and so much more. The only "complaint" I have is that it's not weathersealed. It's hard to beat either lens when it comes to resolution; they're among Canon's sharpest lenses believe it or not.

For crop cameras it's as close to the ideal "standard 50mm lens" as it gets.

[shaunknee]

Thanks DN

Glowie's shot above says it all !

[I Simonius]

Miika:

Workflow is as follows:

1. Photomechanic to sort the pics
2. Convert RAW (always shoot RAW) in PSCS
3. Downsize to whatever size I am looking to print or view on computer.
4. Play around with curves, levels, saturation, until I like what I see....
5. Save for web
6. Import into Framemaker for frame

That's about it........unfortunately I am not a good enough photo-taker to to batch processing because every shot I normally try something a little different.


yeah I was going to ask too - your skin tones are SO spot on:cool:

[I Simonius]

It is very expensive but I find I still use it quite a lot! The IQ is great and I think the best thing to do if you're not sure is try a 35F2 for a bit and see if you like that focal length. I know that I like 35mm a lot more with my 1.3X crop 1D than I did with the 1.6X crop of the DRebel I used to use. Same goes for the 50F1.4......I used to have one but didn't use it much when I moved to the 1D. I find it sharp wide-open (the 35L) and at F2 it is razor sharp!

I tried the f2 and didn't get on wit it at all - tried the 1.4 and like - WOW! that's more like it:cool:

[I Simonius]

Regarding the post topic, I am not satisfied with my 17-40 for portraits. The aperture is too narrow to get a '3-D' effect.
.

that was exactly why I got mine;)

[fWord]

Late last year I was hunting for a 35mm prime and almost bought the 35L. But then I came across a well-used copy of the Leica Summicron-R 35mm f/2 at almost US$700 less (comparing 2nd hand prices). It's one stop slower, aperture control is fully manual and doesn't have AF.

Nevertheless I still wonder if I should move to the 35L, and whether it would be an upgrade or a sidegrade, especially considering the whopping price jump.

[rattymouse]

schmoelzel uses a PS plug-in called 'Extensis PhotoFrame'.
I got it and it is indeed very convenient and very easy to use.

Regarding the post topic, I am not satisfied with my 17-40 for portraits. The aperture is too narrow to get a '3-D' effect.
Since I want to give a try to photo journalism (just a try, I'm not a pro), I was hesitating between the 50 and the 35 f1.4.

Given your post schmoelzel, I think I have just made my mind...

$200 for a PhotoFrame? Are there any cheaper alternatives that you know of?

[datadump]

WELL TIMED SHOT! Such a GREAT shot.

i love mine :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/stoner_on_a_bicycle/lePix/aly_blow.jpg

[paten]

i think i liked more, the post when you review the 85L :p
but this one is a great lens too, i'm still considering to change my 17-55 and 50mm 1.4 to a fast and wide lens (35L/24L/50L/sigma30mm1.4)

length is the key this time,..

have you try the 50L schmoelzel? a little comparison might help a bit,..

[visions of them]

I'm getting mine tomorrow after having a portfolio review, with Constantine Manos from Magnum, he told me to go with the F2 version but after talking to others at the review they had told me those who did get the F2 version returned it finding very slow in focusing, But David Alan Harvey said if I could afford it the 1.4 was the way to go. so I am getting the 1.4 and after seeing these shot I am not disappointed with my choice.

[atu]

whats the sharpest ap from your 35L owners ? I found mine is very sharp at f2.0,f2.2
Did a little comparison and noticed wide open at f1.4 is not getting me the sharpest image.

[drisley]

Most lenses are sharpest about 1-2 stops down from wide open.
Keep in mind, the depth of field at F1.4 can be TEENY.

[whitewall]

Hi Guys

Great review firstly.

Secondly, I would love to add this lens to my bag. I need something sharp with great DOF for close, medium, far portraits.

Is this the lens for me? (other lenses below, planning to sell the 28-135mm)

Thanks

Scott

[ni$mo350]

Holy bump from 2009 haha. Well my first question is why do you still have the 28-135 and why do you have a 24-70 and a 17-40L? It seems kind of pointless to me with the lack of difference between FL's. I recently bought the 35L and find it fantastic for close up shots at the bar. This was with a flash bounced off the ceiling. IIRC it was f/2 and 2.8 respectively (BTW can't say enough about the colors this produces)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisg_photography/5380240924/#/photos/chrisg_photography/5380240924/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisg_photography/5379639927/#/photos/chrisg_photography/5379639927/lightbox/

[x_tan]

Holy bump from 2009 haha....

Original post on 17th of June 2005 ;)

I thought that is for the NEW 35L II!

[ni$mo350]

haha it's the same reason I clicked on it and had to do a double take.

[Cypther]

Nice review, I also would like to add. If I can only live with one lens it would be the Canon 35 f/1.4 out of any of the other lenses I own. It's small, sexy, amazing IQ, fast focus and fast.

[pressureworld]

The shots are amazing. I plan to pick this lens up sometime this month to compliment my 85 1.8.