35 f2 IS USM opinions

[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?

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

Canon 35mm F2 IS is a great choice.

For those who prefer F1.4 aperture, there is the Sigma Art, but without Image Stabilizer there.

 

[sunnyVan]

The only area where I find it to fall short is the amount of coma. If you don't shoot stars or nightscape at f2 or 2.8, then you needn't be concerned. It kind of bothers me as I do like these types of photography.

It otherwise is a great lens at a reasonable price. One of the most handholdable canon lenses in low light conditions

 

[lastcoyote]

The only area where I find it to fall short is the amount of coma. If you don't shoot stars or nightscape at f2 or 2.8, then you needn't be concerned. It kind of bothers me as I do like these types of photography.

It otherwise is a great lens at a reasonable price. One of the most handholdable canon lenses in low light conditions

Thanks. Yeah the coma and level of vignetting at f2 seem to be the common complaints, though other than that seems pretty stella from what I can see. And yeah the 'most handholdable lens' tag was what interested me. Could be handy to have for certain situations.

 

[Random Orbits]

I use it as a walk around lens with a 24 f/2.8 IS. Works well -- you won't be disappointed.

 

[TeT]

This is a lens that can hold its head high against the whole array of 35mm out there. It is not the best, but neither the sigma nor the 35L can beat it straight across the board either...

 

[zlatko]

I really like this lens, but my opinion on whether buying it is a good decision depends on what you're going to use it for. Same for every question that asks "what should I buy?" or "did I make a good purchase?"

 

[eating]

I love this lens!

Rainbow bridge by Eric Augustus Tingatinga, on Flickr

Burot getaway by Eric Augustus Tingatinga, on Flickr

Shibuya by Eric Augustus Tingatinga, on Flickr

 

[sanj]

Eric could I request you for shutter speed, ISO and camera for the star photo? Nice photo.

 

[eating]

Thanks Sanj. The exifs are available at the Flickr page, just click the photos.

 

[drmikeinpdx]

I love it for full body portraits with my 5D3. I try to use it wide open to take advantage of the nice bokeh.

The 35 took a bit of a break while I used only my new 24-70 2.8 II, but I plan to start using the 35 more soon. I realized that the 24-70 is so sharp it adds about ten years to the apparent age of my lady clients! LOL In my opinion, the 35 IS is more flattering to the skin.

 

[sanj]

Thanks Sanj. The exifs are available at the Flickr page, just click the photos.

Hmmm. Why so much noise for ISO 800?

 

[lastcoyote]

I really like this lens, but my opinion on whether buying it is a good decision depends on what you're going to use it for. Same for every question that asks "what should I buy?" or "did I make a good purchase?"

Yeah I know what your saying. Though this isn't a 'what should I buy?' type question.

Just thought I'd get general opinions on whether this is a good and worthy 35mm prime to have.

 

[JonAustin]

I bought my refurbished copy from Canon Direct in January. I don't do a lot of shooting with primes any more (too spoiled by the sharpness and flexibility of the latest zooms, I suppose), but this is one I wanted in my bag. I like using it for street photography when I'm out and about with no particular photographic objective in mind.

If you haven't already checked it out, you might want to read Dustin Abbott's excellent review:
http://dustinabbott.net/2014/03/canon-ef-35mm-f2-is-usm-review/

Dustin is no Canon fan boy, and he explains his selection process when choosing among the various Canon-mount 35mm prime offerings.

I hope you enjoy your new lens as much as I do mine!

 

[lastcoyote]

I bought my refurbished copy from Canon Direct in January. I don't do a lot of shooting with primes any more (too spoiled by the sharpness and flexibility of the latest zooms, I suppose), but this is one I wanted in my bag. I like using it for street photography when I'm out and about with no particular photographic objective in mind.

If you haven't already checked it out, you might want to read Dustin Abbott's excellent review:
http://dustinabbott.net/2014/03/canon-ef-35mm-f2-is-usm-review/

Dustin is no Canon fan boy, and he explains his selection process when choosing among the various Canon-mount 35mm prime offerings.

I hope you enjoy your new lens as much as I do mine!

Thanks Jon.
Yep that's a good review of Dustin Abbotts.

I too feel it will be a great addition to my kit. Just the combo of f2 and IS seems like it'll be useful for various low light situations. I like the look of 35mm on FF too. Also what interested me was the relatively good minimum focus distance.

 

[pdirestajr]

I sold my Sigma 35 after getting the Canon 35 f/2 IS during a canon refurb sale. I love the smaller size.

 

[StudentOfLight]

I sold my Sigma 35 after getting the Canon 35 f/2 IS during a canon refurb sale. I love the smaller size.

Was that the Sigma 35-Art or an older Sigma lens?

 

[sunnyVan]

I did the same thing. No regrets. Much smaller and lighter. Sharp enough. More handholderable in low light with IS.

 

[jackb]

I bought one new a few months ago and found it to be soft (softer than both my 24-105L and 16-35L IS on 5D3) so I returned it. Probably a fluke and I may try again in the future. In the meantime, I bought a 40/2.8 STM and love it - sharp and tiny.

 

[TeT]

I bought one new a few months ago and found it to be soft (softer than both my 24-105L and 16-35L IS on 5D3) so I returned it. Probably a fluke and I may try again in the future. In the meantime, I bought a 40/2.8 STM and love it - sharp and tiny.

Fluke.... at f4 to f8 it is sharp as the Sigma art in center and moreso than the 35L