DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

Do I need a Canon 35mm f/1.4L II USM

Started Feb 19, 2018 | Questions thread
Rexgig0
Rexgig0 Veteran Member • Posts: 7,399
I Bought EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM

I went through this same decision-making process, in 2016, but with the Nikon system. I added a 35/1.4G, even though I had a 24-70/2.8G ED. I found it useful to have both lenses, because f/1.4 can be helpful in very low light. The 24-70/2.8G ED had very fast-acting AF, so remained the better choice, in most circumstances, until Hurricane Harvey drowned my 24-70, so my Nikkor 35/1.4G was “promoted.”

There is a fundamental difference, however, in that the Nikkor 35/1.4G is not very sharp until about f/4, whereas the Canon 35/1.4L II does not have that problem. Plus, the Canon seems to auto-focus at a noticeably faster speed than its Nikkor counterpart. These lenses may be counterparts, but they are not equals.

During the recent Canon USA “rebate” sale, I was wondering whether to buy the EF 24-70/2.8L II, or the EF 35/1.4L II. I decided to buy the EF 35/1.4L II. I would like to add the 24-70/2.8L II, as soon as practicable, but may prioritize a faster telephoto lens, as North America’s Spring Migration is nearing.

-- hide signature --

I wore a police badge and pistol, and made evidentiary images at night, incorporating elements of portrait, macro, still life, landscape, architecture, and PJ. (Retired January 2018.) I enjoy using both Canons and Nikons.

 Rexgig0's gear list:Rexgig0's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EF 135mm F2L USM Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm F2.8G ED +54 more
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum PPrevious NNext WNext unread UUpvote SSubscribe RReply QQuote BBookmark MMy threads
Color scheme? Blue / Yellow