Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time: Canon SLR Lens Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

Started Mar 30, 2015 | Discussions

irm • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,105

Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

Mar 30, 2015

Hi folks,

looking for a little guidance.

Background. I have a 6D with a 24-70 f4, 40 2.8 and 50 1.4 and a range of longer L glass

I am looking for advise as to purchase a 35 1.4 or a 35 f2 for the nigh time walk around lens.

For day time I might sell the 24-70 f4 and buy the 24-105 STM 3.5.-5.6.

Thoughts please?

Ian M

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Abu Mahendra • Veteran Member • Posts: 5,312

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to irm • Mar 30, 2015

Canon 35 IS

Hoi An, Vietnam with said lens

Three stops of IS works wonders Sometimes

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J A C S • Forum Pro • Posts: 20,544

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to irm • Mar 30, 2015

I own the 35/1.4. It is a good nighttime lens compared to longer ones because of the 1/FL rule.

All handheld:

35/1.4

35/2.2

35/1.4

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drh681 • Forum Pro • Posts: 20,742

F 2.0 with the IS

In reply to irm • Mar 30, 2015

and save 200 grams.

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EOSSpeedLite • Contributing Member • Posts: 640

35L is the Better...

In reply to irm • Mar 30, 2015

The 35L F1.4 has 1 stop brighter, and is a sharper lens than the F2.

Brighter, sharper always trumps IS, ESPECIALLY on such a wide lens (35mm).

The F1.4 means more bekah possibilities too.

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Abu Mahendra • Veteran Member • Posts: 5,312

Re: 35L is the Better...

In reply to EOSSpeedLite • Mar 30, 2015

The 35IS wide open resolves just as much, if not more than the 35L at f/2. It also has less CA.

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wazu • Senior Member • Posts: 1,408

Definately the 1.4L for night scenes

In reply to irm • Mar 30, 2015

Although I only own Canons 35/1.4L I can compare it to my 35/2.0 RX1. Neither have IS which IMO is really good for landscapes, but not so much when you have people moving around in them.

also skip the 24-105 and save for the 24-70mkII, never thought I would be overwhelmed after shooting with the 24-105 for many years. The 24-70mkII is truly fantastic. Or maybe wait and see if they improve the 24-105 with a mkII version.

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Fog Maker • Senior Member • Posts: 2,733

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to J A C S • Mar 30, 2015

J A C S wrote:

I own the 35/1.4. It is a good nighttime lens compared to longer ones because of the 1/FL rule.

All handheld:

35/1.4

35/2.2

35/1.4

I currently don't own it, but I always liked that lens. If Canon charges some crazy money for a mark II, i might settle with that lens instead (just out of protes until Canon comes down to earth a bit)

Fog Maker's gear list:Fog Maker's gear list

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Canon EF 85mm F1.2L II USM Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM

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J A C S • Forum Pro • Posts: 20,544

Re: 35L is the Better...

In reply to Abu Mahendra • Mar 30, 2015

Abu Mahendra wrote:

The 35IS wide open resolves just as much, if not more than the 35L at f/2. It also has less CA.

But it vignettes much more (both at f/2) which makes it not quite f/2 overall. Of course, the 35L vignettes a lot as well but at f/1.4.

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J A C S • Forum Pro • Posts: 20,544

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to Fog Maker • Mar 30, 2015

Fog Maker wrote:

I currently don't own it, but I always liked that lens. If Canon charges some crazy money for a mark II, i might settle with that lens instead (just out of protes until Canon comes down to earth a bit)

I am a bit afraid that when Canon releases the II, I will buy it because I would want to own the latest and the greatest but that may turn out to be a mistake. My copy AF-s perfectly on my ancient 5D2 with every AF point - it just does, no MA. I had some objections about the bokeh in the transition zone initially but after seeing samples from other fast 35mm, including Sigma, and a super expensive Leica, etc., I think that the bokeh is quite good in comparison.

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EOSSpeedLite • Contributing Member • Posts: 640

Re: 35L is the Better...

In reply to Abu Mahendra • Mar 30, 2015

Abu Mahendra wrote:

The 35IS wide open resolves just as much, if not more than the 35L at f/2. It also has less CA.

But F2 is still not F1.4, and the differences in CA is minimal worse case.

I have the 35L and for 10 years and I cannot remember ever having to deal with CA issues.

And as to razor sharpness, the 35L wins hands down.

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Karl Summers • Regular Member • Posts: 234

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to irm • Mar 30, 2015

irm wrote:

Hi folks,

looking for a little guidance.

Background. I have a 6D with a 24-70 f4, 40 2.8 and 50 1.4 and a range of longer L glass

I am looking for advise as to purchase a 35 1.4 or a 35 f2 for the nigh time walk around lens.

For day time I might sell the 24-70 f4 and buy the 24-105 STM 3.5.-5.6.

Thoughts please?

Ian M

Please forget the Canon and consider the Sigma 35mm 1.4. Newer design, sharper images, better image quality, better value.

Karl Summers's gear list:Karl Summers's gear list

Sony a7R II Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM

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EOSSpeedLite • Contributing Member • Posts: 640

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to Karl Summers • Mar 30, 2015

Karl Summers wrote:

irm wrote:

Hi folks,

looking for a little guidance.

Background. I have a 6D with a 24-70 f4, 40 2.8 and 50 1.4 and a range of longer L glass

I am looking for advise as to purchase a 35 1.4 or a 35 f2 for the nigh time walk around lens.

For day time I might sell the 24-70 f4 and buy the 24-105 STM 3.5.-5.6.

Thoughts please?

Ian M

Please forget the Canon and consider the Sigma 35mm 1.4. Newer design, sharper images, better image quality, better value.

Your claims is completely false.

I have never found a wide angle prime sharper than the 35L. The sigma you mentioned is too soft, not razor sharp. None of the 8 copies I tried came close to the 35L.

EOSSpeedLite's gear list:EOSSpeedLite's gear list

Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 135mm F2L USM Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Canon Extender EF 2x III Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II +12 more

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diness • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,758

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to EOSSpeedLite • Mar 30, 2015

Karl Summers wrote:

irm wrote:

Hi folks,

looking for a little guidance.

Background. I have a 6D with a 24-70 f4, 40 2.8 and 50 1.4 and a range of longer L glass

I am looking for advise as to purchase a 35 1.4 or a 35 f2 for the nigh time walk around lens.

For day time I might sell the 24-70 f4 and buy the 24-105 STM 3.5.-5.6.

Thoughts please?

Ian M

Please forget the Canon and consider the Sigma 35mm 1.4. Newer design, sharper images, better image quality, better value.

Your claims is completely false.

I have never found a wide angle prime sharper than the 35L. The sigma you mentioned is too soft, not razor sharp. None of the 8 copies I tried came close to the 35L.

?? Are you serious? Every review I have read on the sigma says it is sharper than the 35L. I had the sigma and mine was crazy sharp, sharper than any lens I have owned. I have heard complaints of focus issues with the sigma and some people prefer the bokeh of the 35L, but I have never heard someone say the sigma is soft.

diness's gear list:diness's gear list

Canon EOS R Canon EF 135mm F2L USM Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

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Karl Summers • Regular Member • Posts: 234

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to diness • Mar 30, 2015

diness wrote:

Karl Summers wrote:

irm wrote:

Hi folks,

looking for a little guidance.

Background. I have a 6D with a 24-70 f4, 40 2.8 and 50 1.4 and a range of longer L glass

I am looking for advise as to purchase a 35 1.4 or a 35 f2 for the nigh time walk around lens.

For day time I might sell the 24-70 f4 and buy the 24-105 STM 3.5.-5.6.

Thoughts please?

Ian M

Please forget the Canon and consider the Sigma 35mm 1.4. Newer design, sharper images, better image quality, better value.

Your claims is completely false.

I have never found a wide angle prime sharper than the 35L. The sigma you mentioned is too soft, not razor sharp. None of the 8 copies I tried came close to the 35L.

?? Are you serious? Every review I have read on the sigma says it is sharper than the 35L. I had the sigma and mine was crazy sharp, sharper than any lens I have owned. I have heard complaints of focus issues with the sigma and some people prefer the bokeh of the 35L, but I have never heard someone say the sigma is soft.

I have also owned the Sigma 35, albeit with a Nikon D610. Oh, and who goes through 8 copies of lens before they decide against it? NOBODY.

Anyways, I may hold out for the 35L Mark II. Something tells me Canon will match the Sigma sharpness with Canon AF reliability...the perfect prime for me.

Karl Summers's gear list:Karl Summers's gear list

Sony a7R II Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM

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EOSSpeedLite • Contributing Member • Posts: 640

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to diness • Mar 30, 2015

Have you read the comparo's between the two? You should...

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Al Downie • Senior Member • Posts: 1,407

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to irm • Mar 30, 2015

On paper the IS of the f2 model sounds like a good idea, but if you're looking to capture nightlife on the streets then I guess you'll be using shutter speeds that will make IS a bit irrelevant. The 35L on the other hand is legendary for it's nighttime colour saturation and contrast.

I'd have a look for nighttime shots from both lenses in their respective Flickr groups, and see which ones float your boat.

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diness • Veteran Member • Posts: 3,758

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to EOSSpeedLite • Mar 30, 2015

EOSSpeedLite wrote:

Have you read the comparo's between the two? You should...

Yes, plenty of them. They seem unanimous that the sigma is sharper. Can you link me to one that says otherwise?

diness's gear list:diness's gear list

Canon EOS R Canon EF 135mm F2L USM Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

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Doug_PS • Contributing Member • Posts: 812

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to EOSSpeedLite • Mar 31, 2015

EOSSpeedLite wrote

Please forget the Canon and consider the Sigma 35mm 1.4. Newer design, sharper images, better image quality, better value.

Your claims is completely false.

I have never found a wide angle prime sharper than the 35L. The sigma you mentioned is too soft, not razor sharp. None of the 8 copies I tried came close to the 35L.

I own the Sigma 35 1.4 and have also used the Canon 35 1.4 extensively. My experience is this:

-The Sigma is the sharpest lens I've ever used (including the Canon 135 2.0L). The resolving power of the Sigma is amazing. The Canon was also very sharp, but the Sigma is in a different league (IMO).

- It took me 3 tries to get a good copy of the Sigma. I can't think that I'm unique and that there must be an element of the "Sigma Lottery" at work here!

- I found the the Canon nails the focus much more consistantly.

- I prefer the quality of the Bokeh and the colors produced of the Canon.

The price difference between the two lenses was the swaying factor for me. I got the Sigma for $799 (Authorized Dealer). The Canon was well over $1,000. If price had been equal (or even close), I might have gone with the Canon regardless of the superior sharpness of the Sigma. Both are fantastic lenses and are great for night street-scapes.

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Abu Mahendra • Veteran Member • Posts: 5,312

Re: Canon 35 f1.4 or f2 walk around Asia night time

In reply to Doug_PS • Mar 31, 2015

He who denies that the Sigma is the sharpest of the three knows not of what he speaks.

If you are going to shoot night static, I'd say go wl the 35 IS. If you are shooting night action, go with the sigma 24FI.4 Art.

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>> I love the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens! <<

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