Finally got my own Canon EF 35mm F1.4L II USM

First impressions are very good. Not a whole lot sharper than the original 35L, but I do notice the small things like the better coatings etc. Fringing etc. is very much improved wide open.

Does not seem to need any MicroAdjustment on my 5DS/R and I tend to think it focuses more accurately. But I will have to test this before knowing this as a fact and not just buyers bias.

Full review w/samples to follow.

maiaibing wrote:

...Not a whole lot sharper than the original 35L...

Really?

My favorite night street lens on the 5DsR.  Actually, it is extraordinary in any light.  Have done entire city trips with it.

Have fun.

being the original 35L wasn't sharp till f2 I find that hard to believe too.

BirdShooter7 wrote:

Would you mind backing this up with some evidence or at least clarifying what you mean by not sharp? I found the one I had to be quite good even wide open but then I am not usually looking for ultimate sharpness in the corners at f/1.4. In the center of the frame where I really cared it was quite good to my eyes. Like the OP I didn't see enough difference in sharpness there to motivate me to upgrade.

Of course, there is the copy to copy lens variation issue, and personal preferences, and personal use cases which enter in to these discussions.

Here is a recent thread that covers the subject quite well. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58884040

The DPR lens comparison widget is also a helpful tool. While I believe only one copy of each lens is tested, the charts indicate some considerable difference between versions 1 and 2 depending on the aperture and on the camera used (i.e. bigger differences on the 5DsR than on the 5DIII). I think that the accepted threshold for perceptible differences on these charts is about MTF50 - 300. Whether or not the differences are important to you is always personal.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/lens-compare-fullscreen?compare=true&lensId=canon_35_1p4&cameraId=canon_eos5dsr&version=0&fl=35&av=1.4&view=mtf-ca&lensId2=canon_ef_35_1p4_usm_ii&cameraId2=canon_eos5dsr&version2=0&fl2=35&av2=1.4

Hope this helps.

poppyjk wrote:

My favorite night street lens on the 5DsR. Actually, it is extraordinary in any light. Have done entire city trips with it.

One of my planned uses too...!

@BirdShooter7

Just spent some enjoyable time viewing your impressive gallery of bird photos.  I'd like to learn to improve on my terribly mediocre bird photos.

I know i'm not able to develop the stalking, spotting, and technical skills to come close to yours, but I do get some good opportunities at Hilton Head, Fripp and Hunting Islands. I'm guessing you use a lens in the 500-600mm range and with a Better Beamer or MagBeam.  I have no lens over the 100-400 vII, have no flash, and use a 5DsR with 5D3 backup.

I  have been in touch with a bird photo guide for an October trip to the above islands. Planning to rent a 500 or 600 mm and already have a 1.4x tc and can borrow my son's 580 EX flash to use with a MagBeam that I would buy.  Gitzo 3542xls tripod with Markins Q-20i ballhead with BV-22 pan-tilt head that I purchased some years ago hoping to get a 'big white' some day.

Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated.

Pedro Courelas wrote:

This is THE lens.

LOL! I used to feel this about the original. But after getting the 5DS/R it got less and less use. So I sold the original but now I'm back in the fold.

If Canon launches the rumored new 85mm and 135mm and they are great like the 35L II I may eventually end up where I once started 35mm - 85mm - 135mm!!

read some reviews man.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-35mm-f-1.4-L-II-USM-Lens.aspx

"You generally pay the premium price and endure the extra size and weight of an ultra-wide aperture prime lens because you want to shoot at the widest apertures. Often, the image quality of such lenses at their wide open aperture is short of stellar. The lines in the 35 L II MTF chart indicated that was not the case with this lens – the difference between the 35 L I and II charts is significant."

"back then" it was the best but times have obviously changed

all the new L lenses are critically sharp even wide open, except for the 24-105L II

BirdShooter7 wrote:

Thanks for your kind words. It sounds like you are definitely on the right track. Everyone has their own style but my preferred setup is an APS-c body (7d mk2 or 80d currently) and 500mm f4L along with a 1.4x TC. I find it quite manageable for travel and to use hand-held in the field. I also use the 100-400 mk2 for a variety of situations and love the lens.

I don't personally use flash but know several people who do.

Hiring a knowlegable guide is a smart move. It can save you a lot of time and effort to learn about different areas and the species that are found in those areas.

If you have any specific questions please feel free to message me or send me an email and I will do my best to help you out.

Thanks.  Think I will rent the 500 and forget the flash.