Canon EF 35 f/2 IS Resolution Test

[Canon Rumors]

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From LensRentals.com
Roger and Aaron at LensRentals.com have tested the resolution on a small batch of the new Canon EF 35 f/2 IS lens.

The lens performed better than the EF 35 f/2 that it was replacing, especially noticeable in the corners. While center resolution remains about the same. They compared the lens against the original EF 35 f/2, the EF 35 f/1.4L,  and Sigma 35 f/1.4.

Battle of 35mm Lenses – Higher Numbers are Better

The real winner here appears to be the Sigma 35 f/1.4. Canon is going to have to make their sharpest wide angle prime ever to outdo the Sigma. It just happens that Norman Camera has the Sigma 35 f/1.4 in stock for $899.

LensRentals.com’s conclusion I’m afraid this is a rather dull and boring post that doesn’t tell you anything you probably hadn’t already assumed. If you like to shoot 35mm and need Image Stabilization for the type of shooting you do, this will be a very nice lens and worth the money. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with something else.

Read the entire article

Canon EF 35 f/2 IS $849 at B&H Photo | Adorama | Sigma 35 f/1.4 for $899 at Norman Camera

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[Tom W]

Interesting report - Seems that the Sigma resolves better, but possibly with a harsher bokeh. I wonder how the lenses perform in other areas - flare, CA, etc.

[meli]

Interesting report - Seems that the Sigma resolves better, but possibly with a harsher bokeh. I wonder how the lenses perform in other areas - flare, CA, etc.

He does mention a couple apart from resolution:

Our new toys let us do some other measurements as well.
Chromatic aberration is low for the Sigma and the new IS f/2 lens at 0.7% and 0.9% respectively at the lateral edges. The Canon 35mm L is higher at 1.3% and the original 35mm f/2 far worse at almost 2%.
The Sigma also had the lowest distortion at 1% barrel, with the 35L higher at 1.3%, and both the new and old 35mm f/2 versions at 1.4%.

All in all -apart from the addition of IS- a rather dull update of an almost 25yo lens

[Canon-F1]

i thought i never say that.. but.. SIGMA 35mm f1.4 all the way!!

i had a few sigma lenses over the years and never was impressed by them.

but i had a look at the new sigma 35mm last week and it´s a beauty.. and it´s a great performer.

the canon seems overprized in comparison.

[Dylan777]

I like lensrental reviews. It's easy to understand for an ave Joe like me.

I can't believe I'm saying this... the new Sigma looks better than the Canon and now test shows is out perform the big boy....WOW. Where is 50mm f.1ish Sigma?

[zim]

Does that mean if the Sigma didn't have IS it would have performed even higher or is that only for more complex zooms?

[Canon-F1]

Does that mean if the Sigma didn't have IS it would have performed even higher or is that only for more complex zooms?

the sigma has no IS.

[Sporgon]

I have to confess that this lens puzzles me: prior to its introduction I noticed that a thread on 35mm f2 images had received zero replies, so I ran another one a few weeks ago on posting 35 f2 images and that got 3 replies ! This lens is pretty unloved, so will adding IS make it better ? When i saw the price I assumed its performane would be on a par with 35 f1.4 which it would appear not to be 
It'll have to make up for it in build quality and manual focus.

[Dylan777]

I'd be curious to see how they all perform at, say, f/8.0

I  would never thought buying a f.1ish prime and shoot at f.4, 8 or 11?  Never hurt to ask

[Nishi Drew]

Interesting report - Seems that the Sigma resolves better, but possibly with a harsher bokeh. I wonder how the lenses perform in other areas - flare, CA, etc.

Harsher? Sigma in recent years has produced lenses with great creamy bokeh, even their 10-20mm F/3.5 IMO has really nice smooth bokeh, my 70-200 OS is awesome, the 50mm 1.4 is just as good as the 50L in that regard, and on and on with the 85mm, 30mm f/1.4, and test shots I took with the 35mm are great. Some disks show up in some highlights, but really only noticeable when cropped way in, and they at least stay circular all the way, unlike the 35L

[RLPhoto]

Good job sigma. You've won this round.

[Craig Richardson]

After my horrible experience with the Sigma 50mm 1.4 I will never touch one of their lenses again.

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

I'm actually surprised by this test.  I thought this new lens would probably easily best the current 35mm f/1.4L in resolution, as the new Canon primes have all been exceptional performers.  And, by a small margin at equal apertures, the new 35mm f/2 is sharper where it matters.  But the corner performance really surprised me.  While it made great strides over the original, it is completely blown away by the Sigma.  I expected a more radical evolution over the original (which I was actually oddly fond of).

Except for those specifically looking for either IS or a smaller form factor, I think that the new Sigma is going to put a serious hurt on the sales of this lens.  The Sigma is looking like more of a winner every day.  I am still interested in seeing a bokeh comparison, but it seems to me that those who use a wide aperture 35mm in a traditional way are going to have a hard time looking at either of the Canon 35mm offerings now.

[infared]

Have to say...this new Canon 35mm is a very mediocre lens, to me.
I know that a lot of people had problems with their Sigma 50 mm f/1.4...but I have had nothing but a great experience with mine...and I personally think that the bokeh is just incredible. As good as it gets with a 50mm f/1.4.
These new Sigma lenses (artist Series) appear to be a cut above anything the Co. has done in the past and reports are the customer service is on the mend,too.  ...but don't tell what you are going to do. Show me. I think that Sigma has done that with their new 35mm....actually I think Canon has, too! :-)

[mrsfotografie]

Looking at these figures I'm a bit disappointed with the new Canon. I like the new Canon especially for weight and size. The old 35mm didn't cut it on full frame, and the Sigma, although very good, is too large as I would like to use such a lens for travel photography to complement my 24-105 f/4. If these figures are true, they may save me a sum of money (but never say 'never').

I'll wait for the SLR Gear review before deciding to purchase or not http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1574/cat/4 After all, the IS should allow some stopping down into high res territory.