Badger said:
All this talk inspired me to watch the 35mm f/2 IS video since I own that. I must say I enjoy his videos and take them for what they are worth. He seemed to like the 35mm but his objections were where it fit in the lineup. Back when he reviewed it, I think Canon wanted $849 for it. I think if he had reviewed it at its current $549, he would have been more excited.
Perhaps, but he also inferred it was significantly inferior to the 35mm f/1.4. While it is true the 35mm f/1.4 is a stop faster, it has other issues such as angular bokeh highlights that make it unappealing. Plus, while f/1.4 is much appreciated, f/2 is usually fast enough to get by in most situations... Of these two lenses, I'd rather have the f/2 IS because I find the angular bokeh extremely distracting.
Kai also inferred it was built poorly if I recall, which is baloney.
Of course, if Canon updated the 35L with curved blades, new coatings, etc - I might change my tune