35L worth it over 50 1.4???

Ok im trying to figure my lens situation. Currently I have a 5d mark ii and a canon 50 1.4. Ive been contemplating getting the 35L, but not really sure if its worth the extra cash. My 50 1.4 is actually very sharp wide open. I just recently sold my 17-40L because I felt the 17 was just wayyy to wide for me on full frame and the f4 aperture is just too slow for my needs and I think the widest I would ever need is 24 or 28mm. So heres what im thinking about doing. I can either keep the 50 and get a 135L & 85 1.8, or I could sell the 50 and use all the money to get a 35L and in a week or two get the 85 1.8. I mostly shoot portraits, concerts, and I have a couple weddings lined up in the future. Whats your opionions on this?

The 35L is really sweet because of the focal length on a full frame; it's unique and fits many photographers' style for environmental portraits.

The 35L also is a lot more consistent in focusing, and the build quality is better.

I like the colors much better on the 35L. But I also really hate the 50mm focal length to being with

If you're thinking of getting the 35L. I suggest you do it REAL soon, there's a hot deal on ebay right now that ends on July 30th. Check my thread (mainly the first post), for more details on buying a brand new one on ebay with warranty for only: $1230 shipped!

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=896950

Good luck,
David

I asked pretty much the same question. ( see below ) If your shooting portraits you need something longer, are those the only 2 lenses you have?

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=904410

Tommydigi wrote in post #10619154
I asked pretty much the same question. ( see below ) If your shooting portraits you need something longer, are those the only 2 lenses you have?

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=904410

The only lens I have right now is the 50mm 1.4. if I get the 35L i would also get the 85mm 1.8 for tighter portraits. But I am mainly just curious if the 35L is that much better than a sharp 50 1.4.

jdeaton21 wrote in post #10619200
The only lens I have right now is the 50mm 1.4. if I get the 35L i would also get the 85mm 1.8 for tighter portraits. But I am mainly just curious if the 35L is that much better than a sharp 50 1.4.

Sharp is 1 of probably 20 things that matter the same in a lens. Sharp is just that, sharp, and has nothing to do with AF, DoF, color rendering, resolution, contrast, bokeh, etc.

I have both and the 35L is that much better.

Oh yes, get the 35L! You won't miss the 50 at all.
The colors and IQ both great.

It is like asking if cookies are better than cake. They are totally different beasts.

The 50 1.4 is a great lens and doesn't really compare well to the 35L. Totally different build. Totally different point of view. They are two great lens with a different purpose.

You could totally shot a wedding with either lens with out ever changing out. I would prefer to have both for a wedding. I was also include the 85 as you mentioned. I would also highly recommend gettting another body.

If it were me and I was thinking along this route...I would rent a 35L or buy a 35 F2 to try it out.

Jon

What suits you're shooting style more? 50mm or 35mm? No point in getting the 35L if it's not a focal length you can use.

I own a 50/1.4 and recently got the 35L. I was doubtful because I also felt it was too wide, but my 50/1.4 has not seen the camera since I got the 35L. If you need more reach, you could combine the 35L with an 85/1.8 if you have the funds.

The 35L has better colors, is sharper wide open, built better, isn't prone to the AF failure problem that happens with many 50 1.4s.

well I just switched to full frame and to canon in general. So far the 50 has been ok, but I do know that when I do band promos and concerts i like to have a little bit wider just so I can get close in there and give it a little distortion to give it a different feel. I used to do that with my 17-50 when I had nikon. when I had nikon I was using a d300, 35 1.8, 50 1.4, 85 1.8, and 17-50 so I was pretty much covered for everything I needed. all of my primes got much more use than my 17-50 bc I had a tamron and it was not really the sharpest. so to be honest im sure i could use the 35L, maybe i just have "L" fever I dont know, but I really like the colors and contrast of my 17-40L compared to the 50 1.4.

jdeaton21 wrote in post #10619125
Ok im trying to figure my lens situation. Currently I have a 5d mark ii and a canon 50 1.4. Ive been contemplating getting the 35L, but not really sure if its worth the extra cash. My 50 1.4 is actually very sharp wide open. I just recently sold my 17-40L because I felt the 17 was just wayyy to wide for me on full frame and the f4 aperture is just too slow for my needs and I think the widest I would ever need is 24 or 28mm. So heres what im thinking about doing. I can either keep the 50 and get a 135L & 85 1.8, or I could sell the 50 and use all the money to get a 35L and in a week or two get the 85 1.8. I mostly shoot portraits, concerts, and I have a couple weddings lined up in the future. Whats your opionions on this?

wait, until you get the 35L
i like the FL, not that too wide/tight, but that's just me...

i had used the canon 50f/1.4 before, it's not that sharp at f/1.4-1.8, but from f/2 it's amazingly sharp,

depends on what portraits you are shooting. i shoot more at 85 and 135, so i would vote you get those rather than a 35

Sfordphoto wrote in post #10619592
depends on what portraits you are shooting. i shoot more at 85 and 135, so i would vote you get those rather than a 35

Typically full body or waist up. If i was going any closer I would def use the 85mm 1.8 I would get if I end up getting the 35L

jdeaton21 wrote in post #10619640
Typically full body or waist up. If i was going any closer I would def use the 85mm 1.8 I would get if I end up getting the 35L

Everyone is different, that is why you need to find your groove. I use the 35L on an APS-H (1.3 crop) camera and do waist and fully body. If I went to full frame I would be more comfortable with the 50L. Just a note, Canon L glass is what you will eventually migrate to if you do anything in volume with the only excepting being the 85 f1.8.