which one canon 35L or zeiss 35 f2

I'm debating between the two need help deciding what do you think

Do you need autofocus and F/1.4? The Zeiss has incredible build and image quality but it's only MF and it's a tad slower at F/2. It's a tough choice because both lenses are very very good.

For amazing 3D rendition the get the Zeiss. For AF and low light capability there is only one winner. It all depends on what you like to shoot. If its moving things, peoples, children then the 35L is your answer. Otherwise get the 35/2 ZE.

Both are great lenses.

To the OP what lenses do you currently have?

L for me

There is of course the Zeiss 35/1.4 (It should be released in Z* version later this year but there are Contax & Rollei versions that can be used with Canon cameras with an adapter).

I've had the 35L and I have the Zeiss 35/2 & 35/1.4 now. Definitely no regrets. The 35L is a very good lens, one of Canon's best IMO but the two Zeiss 35:s are in a different league.

Hello, and thank you. These are very dear contenders either way please post samples asap!

Does anybody think shooting manual focus with the t2i will be a problem with the viewfinder using the zeiss. I don't really like shotting at 1.4 to 2.0 range, to shallow depth off field so the canon L is no real advantage to me I just want the best quality pics, and I want that 3d look. Does anybody regret getting the lens and wish they got a auto focuslens.

how do think using the manual focus on a rebel t2i will be, is it hard to get correct fovus with the viewfinder

adorabledan76 wrote in post #10775269
Does anybody think shooting manual focus with the t2i will be a problem with the viewfinder using the zeiss. I don't really like shotting at 1.4 to 2.0 range, to shallow depth off field so the canon L is no real advantage to me I just want the best quality pics, and I want that 3d look. Does anybody regret getting the lens and wish they got a auto focuslens.

You might have to use LV or focus confirmation as the viewfinder and focal length can make it difficult to focus.

if you are using crop, why not get a sigma 30 1.4. the lens is amazing.

I'd go for 35L just because of the AF. I personally hate MF, and therefore I'm a little bias. Manual focus is very fun to play with, especially on a prime. But I would figure it's a little bit too much for my own everyday needs. I'd feel like I want to use it only sporadically, vs 35L being mounted on the body 90% of the time. 35L is already a prime, so you're giving up on the zooming flexibility, and you must "zoom-on-feet". Now, add the manual focusing to this...and what's next? Taking photos with 35mm film?

Think about if you really need the flexibility, or the IQ, which will be slightly better on Zeiss.

No way on the sigma ain't going to take a chance on the sigma to many focus issues.

I own a 17 40L ,501.4, and 70-300is usm

I'll probably go with the canon 35L for ease of use thanks everybody with help, then next the 135L and hopefully I'm done with buying lenses for now somebody stop me my bank account can't keep taking these hits

My friend has the Zeiss 100/2, and it is SERIOUSLY NICE.

The fact that it is Manual Focus only has NEVER stopped him getting a shot, and in fact he has taken great pics of low flying aircraft, as well as a canon firing (the medieval kind, not the camera kind!) and ended up with a better picture than many of the other photographers there with their L series lenses...

As long as the ZE version has the focus confirmation, go for the Zeiss. The image quality simply blows anything else out of the water.