Canon 35mm vs Tokina 35mm Macro for portrait etc

I am looking to buy a lens, primarily for kids' portrait indoor/outdoor using my Canon 40D. I had pretty much decided on Canon 35mm f2.0 but then I noticed a Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro in the same price range.

Though I already have Canon 60mm Macro, I don't mind Macro capabilities on 35mm Lens if I don't have to compromise on picture quality/bokeh etc.

Any opinion on how these two lenses compare (except 0.8 difference in aperture)?

Appreciate your inputs!

I believe Canon has a faster AF (USM). Otherwise, both are relatively sharp.
But I would suggest neither one of these. There's a lens called Sigma 30mm f/1.4 HSM
I used Sigma on my 7D, and didn't want to switch lens. This was my main go-to lens when shooting indoors. The AF is very fast, and the lens was sharp at f/1.4. This eliminated the need to use flash. See the lens archives for yourself. This is a very highly regarded lens here on POTN. You absolutely MUST own one on a crop.

P.S. For the price (just below $400 brand new) this is a steal.

The Canon isn't USM, it's AFD. Not silent, but quick.

If you don't need the macro capabilities than go with the Canon. One of the advantages of a prime over a zoom is the added speed. A f 2.8 prime pretty much negates that advantage.

If you don't need the macro abilities, I think your 18-50 2.8 can pretty much cover anything the Tokina 35mm macro can, maybe with the exception of some pixelpeeping differences. In your case I'd go for a Canon 35 f/2, 28 1.8 or Sigma 30 1.4

That Tokina is a great performing lens, but kind of a tough sell as a standard prime given the f2.8 zoom options (one of which you already own). I'd look at a Sigma 30mm f1.4 for your intended purpose.

The 35/2 is very sharp considering you can get one for $200 used.

Thanks everyone for responses - very helpful!

Any comments on image quality and bokeh of Tokina Macro vs. Canon 35mm?

Though 35mm is faster, but the difference isn't great (2.0 vs 2.8) so am still confused. I haven't come across any detailed review of Tokina but I did notice someone mention that bokeh on it is better than 35mm?

Thanks again for all valuable inputs!

I use my 35mm 2.0 with extension tubes for macro like shots, and it really works well. And the fast 2.0 is just great for regular low light photography. It has ok sharpness at 2.0, better at 2.2 and very sharp at 2.5. For the price (especially the used price) its hard to beat. The difference between 2.0 and 2.8 is more than you think.

Normally with a question like this, there's about 50 people who recommend the Sigma 30mm 1.4. Where are all the Sigma people? Still on Labor Day vacation?

nightcat wrote in post #10867562
Normally with a question like this, there's about 50 people who recommend the Sigma 30mm 1.4. Where are all the Sigma people? Still on Labor Day vacation?

Interesting Though it seems Ken Rockwell doesn't like it that much? http://www.kenrockwell​.com/sigma/30mm-f14.htm

nightcat wrote in post #10867562
I use my 35mm 2.0 with extension tubes for macro like shots, and it really works well. And the fast 2.0 is just great for regular low light photography. It has ok sharpness at 2.0, better at 2.2 and very sharp at 2.5. For the price (especially the used price) its hard to beat. The difference between 2.0 and 2.8 is more than you think.

It's only 2x as fast. f1.4 is 4x as fast as f2.8

Perhaps because it is the best lens in this class for the stated purpose?

I think I already recommended Sigma 30, and there was another post suggesting the same. I repeat: SIGMA 30MM F/1.4 HSM is the way to go, and you won't regret it!

Always go canon, I find alot of the time with third party lenses, theres too much chance for a bad copy!

ammo wrote in post #14113590
Always go canon, I find alot of the time with third party lenses, theres too much chance for a bad copy!

You mean like how there's issues with the 24L II and 7D, or how early copies of the 17-55 IS had known issues with the IS failing, or how the 50 1.4 has problems with a fault AF motor, or how the 17-85 has a design defect meaning the ribbon cable will break at some point?

Oh wait, those are all canon...

This is a thread from Sept. 2010... presumably the original poster has already made their decision, for better or for worse.