Canon EF 35 f/1.4L II [CR2]

[Canon Rumors]

The next 35mm…
The oft rumored EF 35 f/1.4L II is being talked about again. We’re told an announcement for the new “L” prime will only happen once the new EF 24-70 f/2.8L II begun shipping in decent quantity.

That would put the announcement sometime in 2012 with availability probably being in early 2013. One patent for the optical forumla has been around for a while.

I’m told as many as 3 prototypes exist, though they have only made it to a very select few photographers.

CRs Take
I’m pretty confident this lens will be announced sooner than later, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it paired with a new high megapixel camera.

cr 

[Etienne]

This has to be one of the oldest on-going rumors on the site.

[TrumpetPower!]

Considering today's 35 f/1.4 is already superlative...what, aside from the price tag, will be different with the new one?

b&

[Canon Rumors]

It could use improvements at 1.4. It CA's pretty badly. Updating coatings and that sort of thing too.

[dolina]

Finally!

Now where is the rumor for the 400/5.6 with IS?

[neuroanatomist]

Considering today's 35 f/1.4 is already superlative...what, aside from the price tag, will be different with the new one?

Weathersealing, new coatings, and improved corner sharpness come to mind…

[dafrank]

Dolina, +1. Those same two, plus the new 24-70 (replacing my current version) and a 17mm TSE would be my most wanted additions to my current lens line-up that would pretty much hold me over for many years to come. My 5D3 and 85 f/1.2 plus a new 35 f/1.4 would be a great and relatively small but super low light knock-around kit.

[Dylan777]

Could be my next prime...hope my current 50 f1.4 will survive by then 

[Stevo2008]

Considering today's 35 f/1.4 is already superlative...what, aside from the price tag, will be different with the new one?

b&

Current 35 1.4 does not have any UD elements. This revision should feature UD elements to reduce chromatic aberration.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I love my 35mm L, but it definitely could be improved by a significant amount.  One of the weaknesses is the tendency to front focus closer than 5 ft.  I set mine at about 10 ft, which works fine for most images, but its off if I get close.
The depth of field is very shallow near mfd.

[CJRodgers]

After months of choosing between the 24 1.4 mkii and 35 1.4 i just bought the 35mm 1.4. Im a bit gutted now because i would have rather had a weather sealed lens. I only paid £750 on ebay though! I wonder if the price of the new lens will increase the value of mine, or if I should consider selling it before it loses too much value.

Ive justified buying L glass to myself that it should hold its value incase I ever need to sell it, but I guess its value really depends on the new price.

[Etienne]

After months of choosing between the 24 1.4 mkii and 35 1.4 i just bought the 35mm 1.4. Im a bit gutted now because i would have rather had a weather sealed lens. I only paid £750 on ebay though! I wonder if the price of the new lens will increase the value of mine, or if I should consider selling it before it loses too much value.

Ive justified buying L glass to myself that it should hold its value incase I ever need to sell it, but I guess its value really depends on the new price.

Canon glass, especially L glass, holds it's value well. I've actually sold some lenses for more than I paid.

But the new 35L II will be very pricey to be sure.

[dstppy]

We've gotten this far without this? Fine, I'll do it if no one else is gonna:

What? No IS? How could they release it without IS?  If they do that, I'm moving to Nikon.

[CJRodgers]

After months of choosing between the 24 1.4 mkii and 35 1.4 i just bought the 35mm 1.4. Im a bit gutted now because i would have rather had a weather sealed lens. I only paid £750 on ebay though! I wonder if the price of the new lens will increase the value of mine, or if I should consider selling it before it loses too much value.

Ive justified buying L glass to myself that it should hold its value incase I ever need to sell it, but I guess its value really depends on the new price.

Canon glass, especially L glass, holds it's value well. I've actually sold some lenses for more than I paid.

But the new 35L II will be very pricey to be sure.

Yeah i think it will be pricey, and hopefully mean that my copy holds its value. I definately noticed this as I missed out on the chanced to buy the 24-70 mki just before the new version was released, and now the mki costs an extra 30% used easily.

Thanks for easing my mind though!

[preppyak]

I wonder if the price of the new lens will increase the value of mine, or if I should consider selling it before it loses too much value

Well, a few things.

1. The new lens doesn't actually exist. Canon's history for the past year would indicate that by the time they announce the lens, you have a 6ish month waiting period for it to actually arrive at your door, and the possibly return it because something is wrong to get fixed. Even if you avoid the latter part, it's 2013 before you can get it. Which leads to 2:

2. You can use the current 35L and take pictures. That has monetary value, especially if you are a pro who makes money from your camera. Even if you are not, the ability to take quality photos at 35mm doesn't go away cause Canon might release a new version.

3. All lens prices are doubling, not just Canon's. The original 35L is retailing at $1479, which means the new one is probably $2k+. If it's like the 24-70 market, it'll only increase the value of your lens. For example, you paid as much used as what someone would have paid for a new 35L on its release: http://www.canonpricewatch.com/product/00026/Canon-EF-35mm-f1.4L-USM-price.html

All those combine to say that, unless you never use your 35L, you should keep it. And if they end up releasing the new 35L at $1500 and it hurts the value of your current lens, well, consider it a blessing that Canon released the lens you want at a reasonable price