Replace my 24-70f/2.8L II with a faster 35f/1.4L II? Prime speed and IQ vs zoom versatility

Bluerio wrote:

Pierre from Sweden wrote:

Hi,

I shoot kids, family and friends indoors and outdoors. My family love to travel, documenting our trips is a big part om my hobby photography.

• I use a Canon 6D and 3 lenses:
• 50% usage 24-70f/2.8L II used at: First 35mm, secondly 24mm, thirdly 70mm.
• 40% usage 70-200f/4L IS used at: First 200mm, secondly 70mm, thirdly 85mm.
• 10% usage 16-35f/4L IS used at: First 16mm, secondly 20mm, thirdly 24mm.

I use my 24-70f/2.8L II a lot, often wide open and mostly at 35mm or longer for people photography. I often wish for a faster 35mm lens for stopping kids aktion, even better IQ, bokeh and for low light outdoors.

I have already decided to upgrade my 70-200f/4L IS to the faster 70-200f/2.8L IS II. As 35mm is my most used focal length, replacing my 24-70f/2.8L II with a faster 35mm is what I plan to do before our next trip to Amsterdam this fall.

1. To all here that own 35f/2 IS and 35f/1.4L II or have used both. Comparing image quality, resolution, contrast, ca, coma, rendering and bokeh. How do you rate 35f/2 IS vs 35f/1.4L II on FF used wide open?
2. If you also own or have used a 24-70f/2.8L II. How do 35f/2 IS and 35f/1.4L II compare to 24-70f/2.8L II used wide open at 35mm?

Best regards

I have a 24-105 f/4 L IS and a Sigma Art 35mm 1.4, not exactly the same lenses but I would argue that the same logic would apply.

35mm is one of my favorite focal lens and I find it perfect for documentary, family staff and general purpose. 1.4 aperture has its unique look and IMO the fundamental reason to go prime. IQ should not be the reason to go one way or the other imo, given the quality of the zooms nowadays.

In my last travels I carried the 35 prime and left the 24-105 at home. No regrets whatsoever. Ideally both would complement each other very well since there are occasion when the zoom is necessary. IF I had to chose only one I would pick the prime just because:

- I don't get money from photography hence if I miss a shot who cares

- 35mm 1.4 is a lot more fun to shoot with

- on the negative, you need to always carry at least two lenses (+85mm or 100mm). If you have a second body then the switch is less cumbersome.

Note: since you use your 70-200 mostly at 200mm I reckon you may want to consider the 100-400 ii.

Thanks Bluerio,

I agree with what you write, and yes the 100-400f/4.5-5.6L II is on my wishlist.

/Pierre