35 f2 IS USM opinions

[CaptureWhatYouSee]

Is this lens good for stars? I just use it mainly for night photos and low light situations.

Is it good for stars? Short answer: no, coma is bad. My Samyang 14mm/2.8 is waaayyy better - no coma to speak of.
Not sure if that contributes to lovely soft bokeh when shooting near wide open.
But this is a great available light lens and I haven't been bothered by OOF light points. With astrophotos I tend to be more technically critical.
I also consider it to be a great light, available lens. Its wonderfully small (without hood) and light lens on my 6D. So I take it most places and so is more available than e.g. by 24-104/4.
Pairs nicely with my 85/1.8.

I haven't tested coma, but the reviews I saw were not positive on it. That being said, apparently the 28mm 1.8 is a total disaster in the coma department http://www.lenstip.com/253.7-Lens_review-Canon_EF_28_mm_f_1.8_USM_Coma_and_astigmatism.html

So if you were using your 28mm 1.8 for stars before, I doubt it will be any worse, but not really any better. Judging by most people's comments, if you are really into night sky photos, it's probably worth it to just shell out $300 for the Samyang as a dedicated star lens (it gives you the side benefit of a mega ultra wide lens for architectural photos). IIRC, you want as wide a view as possible to allow for longer exposures without star trails, so neither the 28mm or 35mm are ideal for that.

Thank you everyone! Really really helpful! I feel stupid for not knowing how the 28mm fared in the coma department.. but now I know! ;D I'll have to try to sell it and fund a future 35mm f2. and samyang for christmas? besides, I don't use the 28mm at 1.8 too often.. it is an amazing lens though. Thanks again!

++
I have found this to be a very good thread for providing useful information. And it hasn't devolved into a DR discussion.....

 

[JohnUSA]

Here's the YouTube video that shows the coma at night:

https://youtu.be/xbWlacRVgWQ?t=5m57s

Here's another YouTube review that nails the 35 f2 IS USM:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7D4QUD36Ds

 

[scyrene]

After a couple of weeks, I have to say the lens is good. I think my biggest challenge is getting used to the perspective of 35mm - which isn't a focal length I've used much at all before. The close focus is very useful, and the IS is brilliant (I can certainly get crisp shots at 0.6secs). I think it'll really shine at events - dimly-lit rooms, gatherings at/after dusk - and places like museums. I'm enjoying using it for stitched panoramas for now though

 

[sootzzs]

Since this lens is now rather affordable plus I had a 10% discount code to use here in the UK I decided on impulse really to grab one. Got it for £359 brand new.

Think it'll be handy to add to my selection of lenses (see signature).

While I wait for it to be delivered, thought I'd ask you lot if you think I made a good quick decision?
Seems some love it and others not so much.

Any opinions?

Hi lastcoyote,

I'm coming to UK in two weeks (I'll visit my friend in Cambridge and than have a 10day vacation in Scotland). After reading your post I've got a bit of GAS as I do need some low light wide angle (especially considering this lens cost 476GBP where I come from and it is probably a grey market one). Would you mind if I'll ask where you bought it from at this price (I saw it for 390GBP at amazon UK)? I could use my friends address in Cambridge to ship in the UK, though I would of course much prefer to try it myself in store on my camera (60D). Sending back bad copies could be a problem for me. I will be visiting London probably. Could you please recommend a good shop in London (or should I try Edinburgh or Cambridge instead) to try and buy it onsite?

I also wonder, considering it will be ~56mm on my 60D isn't it to tight for closed places? I like my nifty fifty but it just to slow focusing and usually way to tight for indoors.

Thanks ahead!
Roman

 

[lastcoyote]

Since this lens is now rather affordable plus I had a 10% discount code to use here in the UK I decided on impulse really to grab one. Got it for £359 brand new.

Think it'll be handy to add to my selection of lenses (see signature).

While I wait for it to be delivered, thought I'd ask you lot if you think I made a good quick decision?
Seems some love it and others not so much.

Any opinions?

Hi lastcoyote,

I'm coming to UK in two weeks (I'll visit my friend in Cambridge and than have a 10day vacation in Scotland). After reading your post I've got a bit of GAS as I do need some low light wide angle (especially considering this lens cost 476GBP where I come from and it is probably a grey market one). Would you mind if I'll ask where you bought it from at this price (I saw it for 390GBP at amazon UK)? I could use my friends address in Cambridge to ship in the UK, though I would of course much prefer to try it myself in store on my camera (60D). Sending back bad copies could be a problem for me. I will be visiting London probably. Could you please recommend a good shop in London (or should I try Edinburgh or Cambridge instead) to try and buy it onsite?

I also wonder, considering it will be ~56mm on my 60D isn't it to tight for closed places? I like my nifty fifty but it just to slow focusing and usually way to tight for indoors.

Thanks ahead!
Roman

Hi sootzzs,

I bought it from Wex Photographics online (they have a showroom in Norwich), but as I mentioned I had a 10% discount code to use that they sent me as a customer and newsletter subscriber. So it made their price go from £399 to £359.

Otherwise as you say the Amazon UK price is probably going to be the lowest but I agree it's probably best in your case to check one out in a store. I like Park Cameras as a company too and they have a store in London.

 

[sootzzs]

Hi sootzzs,

I bought it from Wex Photographics online (they have a showroom in Norwich), but as I mentioned I had a 10% discount code to use that they sent me as a customer and newsletter subscriber. So it made their price go from £399 to £359.

Otherwise as you say the Amazon UK price is probably going to be the lowest but I agree it's probably best in your case to check one out in a store. I like Park Cameras as a company too and they have a store in London.

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll check them out when I'll be in UK!