Canon EF 35/ F2

I'm wondering just how good this lens is, I did see at some point it's a pretty good lens at half the cost of the IS version.

blackgold59 wrote in post #16913426
I'm wondering just how good this lens is, I did see at some point it's a pretty good lens at half the cost of the IS version.

Ugly, nervous bokeh compared to the f/2 IS version.. then consider the much better AF as well. That's without taking the other IQ properties into account. It is cheap, though.

The non-IS 35 f2 is not a bad lens from a quality point of view; it is sharp. The IS version is sharper (especially across the frame), has much nicer bokeh, and doesn't whine like a swarm of angry bees when focusing. Oh, and it has IS.

Ok, I figured as much. I need to keep saving.

Thanks much for this valuable info!

I upgraded from the old 35 f/2 to the 35 IS. Wide open in the center 50% of the frame, there isn't much difference. The old one had sharp corners by f/5.6, which is not a problem if you are shooting landscape stuff, or on a tripod. The new IS version is as sharp in the corners at f/2.8 as the old one is at f/8. Let us not forget IS, which I think is huge on this lens. I would not have upgraded just for the optics; this IS makes this lens. Fast, quiet focus doesn't hurt, either.

Heya,

I moved to the 35 F2 IS and it's simply one of my favorite lenses, it has the optics quality, focus, IS and speed of an L lens, without the L cost.

Very best,

blackgold59 wrote in post #16913487
Ok, I figured as much. I need to keep saving.

Thanks much for this valuable info!

it's a good little lens, and can be had for a good price nowadays...the IS version may be sharper in the corners...but who really cares how sharp the corners are if you're shooting at f2-2.8 anyways? 90% of the time the corners will be in the out of focus area anyways

Thank you so much, I am going for for the IS version that you all are agreeing with. You saved me some money, since I know I probally would have went for that lens and then realized I made a mistake.

Notice that I only have one lens right now? lol. Won't stay that way, but based on numerous reviews and the praises of the IS version on this site, I went with it and I am truly in awe of this little gem of a lens.

IQ is astoundingly good for the price. Great bokeh, sharp wide open, tack sharp across the frame by f/4. Very good IS implementation. Good AF. Very good build quality. A bargain at $550 new in my opinion. Couldn't recommend it more! You'll love it. I find 35mm is pretty versatile. I myself still prefer 50mm, but I can see a place in my bag for both focal lengths. Pretty much an L class lens minus the weather sealing and the red stripe.

DreDaze wrote in post #16913577
it's a good little lens, and can be had for a good price nowadays...the IS version may be sharper in the corners...but who really cares how sharp the corners are if you're shooting at f2-2.8 anyways? 90% of the time the corners will be in the out of focus area anyways

You forgot better build, focus, bokeh, and IS. Whether those are worth the price premium is up to the buyer.

silvrg35 wrote in post #16913882
You forgot better build, focus, bokeh, and IS. Whether those are worth the price premium is up to the buyer.

or, i'm sure the IS version is a better lens...but the post is about the non IS...so i figured i'd throw out that it's still a good lens...just because something better has come out, doesn't mean what used to be a good lens is now a crap lens

The non-IS version is still a great lens for people looking for a cheap, light and good 35mm lens!

Titi

DreDaze wrote in post #16913912
or, i'm sure the IS version is a better lens...but the post is about the non IS...so i figured i'd throw out that it's still a good lens...just because something better has come out, doesn't mean what used to be a good lens is now a crap lens

The OP mentioned the IS version, so that automatically sets it up for comparison. No, the IS version doesn't change the non-IS qualities... but magnifies them.. and it's faults. That's life.

I have heard nothing but good things about the IS version from many people on this forum, even comparing it to the 35A and 35L lenses because IS will aid in low light.

I have never used the non IS version but for the money I would choose the 40 stm pancake.
While it is a bit narrower than the 35 f2 (non IS) it is tack sharp and lightweight.
It also produces a visibly thin DOF for a f2.8 lens, with nice creamy blur when focusing close to the subject.

I have the 35mm f2 IS and it nearly instantly became my favourite lens!