35L Mark ii or 24 Mark ii

Hi there,

I have done some research online to no real avail and was hoping for some feedback on here. Lately I have taken up aerial photography in my area (NYC) thru FlyNyon with great results. However, with the nature of this and the time of day I prefer to fly (sunsets and at night) it has really pushed my tools to their limits. My 16-35L f4 has been my go to the first two times including a sunset flight, but I am considering adding another prime to my arsenal to better handle the changing light and the fact the doors are open with the downward force from the rotary wings. I used my Sigma 50 ART on a blue hour/dusk flight, because I needed to be at 1.4/1.6 with a decent shutter, but I found myself wanting something a bit wider.

I rented the 35 mark 2 for a flight I went on at night this past weekend, which I got great results from. Looking at prices of these two lenses, the 24L is the cheaper of the two. My question is - are both lenses about equal in terms of sharpness, focus, and color reproduction?

Any feedback on this is greatly appreciated.

The 35Lii has been refreshed (much) more recently, with the ballyhooed "blue gunk" (blue refractive element). If you like it, and the FL works for you, and you can afford it, I'd grab it over the 24 without a second thought.

I'd look at data from your previous shoots to see which focal lengths you use the most and be guided by that. My 24 mm II is a very nice lens for landscape or Astro photography. Here's a sample:

Thanks for the feedback. 24 or 35 would suffice for my aerial needs, just wondering if they were similar with optical results given there is a few hundred dollars between the prices of the lens.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

the newer 35L II is much better, much less CA and sharper across the entire frame

If you really want a 24mm f1.4 prime you may want to take a look at the sigma Art
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

it seems to be a bit better than the Canon

If I were shooting wide angle aerial like you, I'd go 24mm. The 24L II is awesome, I never once had complaints about its optical performance. For a long time it was the sharpest lens in my lineup, and boasted great color and clarity. Good small-ish size too.