Canon 28 f1.8 or 35 f2 IS

Hi everybody,

I have currently a canon 6d with a marvellous Tamron 28-75 f2.8, a 50 f1.4, a 85 1.8 and a 70-200 f4 IS.

I love primes and would like to add a moderate wide angle to my collection. I hesitate between the Canon 28 f1.8 and the brand new 35 f2 IS. The first one is smaller, equivalent in size to my 50 1.4, as well built as my 85 1.8, is wider than the 35, and allows wide angle effects with small DOF.
The second one seems to be better in terms of optical quality, has an IS which allows smaller shutter speeds, but is bigger (67 mm glass), and is closer to my 50 1.4 in terms of focal lenght.
But i am also wondering if 35 mm is not easier to use than 28 mm.

As you can see, I am not able to make a choice between these two lenses. If somebody owns these two primes, can he give me his feedback ?

Thanks in advance for your reply, and sorry for my english.
Nemofoto.

I have the 28mm and I had the old 35mm. They have very similar IQ, which is very good!
But I have heard the new 35mm is much better. What's the costs difference in your part of the world?

Mr DOHC wrote in post #16337761
I have the 28mm and I had the old 35mm. They have very similar IQ, which is very good!
But I have heard the new 35mm is much better. What's the costs difference in your part of the world?

The difference has not been huge since the 35 f2's price decreased to 540 euros in France. The 28 1.8 is about 120 euros less expensive.

The 35 F2 IS is a sharp lens, even sharper than the older version. On full frame, the 28 is wider than I would want, with softer corners than the newer lens. I would find 35 more generally useful, especially if you want to use it for environmental portraits. Check out the Photozone reviews of both lenses. The choice is easy.
I use the 35 F2 IS on my 60D. IS can be useful with very low light and the lens is sharp. Flare resistance is very good, but this is not the case on the older lenses, like the 28F1.8. I can"t use the 35F2 without the hood, but can use the newer lens without one.

The 28mm 1.8 has always had so so reviews, and to me, its an overpriced lens. The new 35mm f2 IS has had great reviews and since the price just came down, it's fairly priced. Plus you get IS. To me the choice is easy.

why dont you check out new Sigma 35mm Art lens, I heard some good things abt it.

If your intension is to buy a wide angle lens then 28 1.8 is the answer. 35 is too close to 50 in my opinion. I also looked for a fast wideangle lens and decided to buy an old 24 1.4, which is more expensive than the 28 1.8 but gives even better separation at 1.4. Check the Lens Sample Photo Archive - you will find there many nice photos taken with the 28 1.8.

monu2323 wrote in post #16338615
why dont you check out new Sigma 35mm Art lens, I heard some good things abt it.

Probably because the cost is significantly more and the potential of having to also purchase a dock to insure best results adds to the cost difference.

The 35mm f/2 on a 6D makes a lot of sense unless you need wider at which point the new 24 or 28 IS might be worth a closer look. I believe they are both 2.8 and unless you need the 1.4 might be a good choice.

monu2323 wrote in post #16338615
why dont you check out new Sigma 35mm Art lens, I heard some good things abt it.

This.

That Sigma lens basically renders the prime 2.8 lenses useless. As it should be, more lenses need to be f/1.8 zoom. I tried it last night on my Canon 50D and its awesome. Sharp, accurate focus, VERY nice build and a ridiculously awesome price.

Radek wrote in post #16338733
If your intension is to buy a wide angle lens then 28 1.8 is the answer. 35 is too close to 50 in my opinion. I also looked for a fast wideangle lens and decided to buy an old 24 1.4, which is more expensive than the 28 1.8 but gives even better separation at 1.4. Check the Lens Sample Photo Archive - you will find there many nice photos taken with the 28 1.8.

This.

I love my 35mm on a crop sensor, but on my 6D I just can't get into it, even though it's a great lens. I tried to make myself use 35mm over 50mm for a while, but I just have a better eye for 50mm, generally people are one way or the other. If you find yourself using your 50mm a lot, it'd be a better call to go wider. I'm considering the 28mm myself, might get the Sigma 24mm instead though... or the new one when it comes out if it's as good as their 35mm.

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #16340143
If you find yourself using your 50mm a lot, it'd be a better call to go wider. I'm considering the 28mm myself, might get the Sigma 24mm instead though... or the new one when it comes out if it's as good as their 35mm.

Why don't you like 35mm?

I mean if you prefer 50mm over 35mm I assume you find 35mm too wide (which seems to be your reason since you said you like it on crop).

If that's the case, what makes you think going even wider is the answer?

fyi I used to be a 50mm person too, but after getting the Sigma 35 I'm using it more and more and feel quite comfortable with the fl now...

Always wanted a 24L, but i just don't see myself liking it...as that's really wide on ff...

Thanks a lot for all your answers.

In fact, I am very interested in the brand new Sigma 35 f1.4 but this one is too big, too heavy. I am looking for a prime I could use innstead of my Tammy 28-75 2.8, in order to have a lens which is lighter and descrete.
As you say "Everydaygetaway", I use my 50mm a lot. Maybe I should go to a wider lens but I also feel that 35 mm could also be a good alternative...This choice remains rather tricky
24 1.4 is too big as well, too heavy and too expensive, the sigma 24 1.8 is too big too.
Indeed, I have seen many nice photo shot with the 28 1.8 which seems very nice to use.

Buy yourself a M + 22f2 pancake, that gives you a light weight solution...

I had the Canon 28 f1.8 for a while and was never happy with its wide open performance. Stopped down a little it's not too bad, but at that point I just use the 24-70 as it's even better at 2.8 or higher. I'm really on the fence between the 35 IS and Sigma 35, but the current Canon price at B&H is really tempting. Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with either of those two options.