Canon EF 35mm F1 4L II Long Term Review 4K

[@stoneblue1795]

A classy lad. Gets dressed up for us on a you tube video. No gangsta-music or flashing strobes. Outstanding. All good sir.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@zanedexter990]

sorry to be offtopic but does someone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my login password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@gustavosantana716]

@Zane Dexter instablaster =)

[@zanedexter990]

@Gustavo Santana I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@zanedexter990]

@Gustavo Santana it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass!

[@themonk51]

You have the talent of both being an artist, as well as highly technical photographer.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's high praise, and I appreciate it.

[@brianchu8147]

I also have the RF 35mm f/1.8, and as much as I love the light weight, IS and pseudo macro capabilities, I still often reach for the 35 L just because the look can't be beat - like you said in your original review, the sharpness, micro-contrast, and BR element all combine to make a truly unique optic. Cheers for another great video!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true. The RF is super practical, but it completely lacks the "special sauce" in rendering.

[@TheMrKonov]

I own this lens for 2 years. I bought it thanks to your reviews Dustin and this is my best purchase ever. :) Thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to hear it.

[@mrg6424]

I agree with the opening statement 1000% percent! This and the 135mm are Canon’s best EF lenses!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do love them both, for sure, though the 35LII is definitely the better lens technically.

[@frankluo230]

I beg to differ that aside from 17TSE, 100L macro and super tele, of all normal purpose lenses, 35L II, 85L II, 100-400L II are my pick hall of fame from EF era.

[@CoreyEmbring]

Finally somebody says it, it is their best lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Outside of the super-teles and the new RF 50L and 85L lenses, I definitely think that’s true.

[@jakobdueck7491]

Dustin's reviews are the best.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@marioplus321]

No doubt!

[@peterebel7899]

Thanks for the review! This lens makes you not just taking pictures but performing photography. I was no fan of EF-L wide angle primes, so I was not among the first purchasing this lens. Due to some great reviews and the price falling a bit I picked up a copy. What a fun to use it! What a performance wide open, it delivers when ever, where ever, what ever.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely. It really raised the bar for Canon’s shorter focal lengths.

[@herrykadir6442]

Special lens,special review and special photographer too God Bless You and Family👍🙏

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@mickmcmick8247]

Thanks Dustin, I am someone who travels very often and I really try to use my camera budget wisely in order to get the best I can for the money I am willing to spend. You have helped me a lot.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad ot hear that.

[@jimcookimages]

Thanks for the review and love the photos

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Jim

[@marioplus321]

Love the review! Love Canon! Love C35mm! Love the idea of long-term reviews! Love you , Dustin!✌

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s a lot of love!

[@marioplus321]

@@DustinAbbottTWI 😇👍

[@Randall-A-Yates]

Excellent review. I needed a 35 mm thet can create extremely beautiful Bokeh. I have 85 and 50 mm 1.2 and 1.4 lenses, but as you know, the quality of the bokeh decreases the further away you have to stand from the subject. For post wedding bride shots with stunning full body (head to toe images)and mind-blowing Bokeh, this is perfect!!! I’m getting it tomorrow!!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It really is a lovely lens

[@EdwardRaybould]

I had the Mark I version of this lens and sold it a couple of years ago. I was just looking at some photos that I shot with it. They were taken at a large Christmas lights exhibit at the Columbus Zoo back in 2015. The Mark I version exhibited some quite pronounced coma when wide open along the corners and edges of the frame as I'm noticing in the photos that I took of the Christmas lights. From your pictures, it appears that in the Mark II version, Canon solved much of that issue. I'm now saving up to get this lens, the Mark II.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a lovely lens.

[@ssshonnn]

I shoot this 35 on a r5 and r6. It's usually mounted throughout an entire wedding whereas my second body gets the 85 or 135.

[@atrbear]

Hi Dustin, As a follow up to the PhotoWorks editing program you recommended, The professional version only allows for free updates for one year only. You can keep what you have but no further free updates are allowed after the one year period.

[@MrCochise71]

Love the long-term reviews. Such great L glass. I've been looking at the 24mm L 1.4. Have you reviewed that glass? You're reviews are fantastic.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’ve actually never reviewed the 24mm F1.4L

[@Ultrarmx]

I own a 24 mm 1.4 and I feel it misses focus at 1.4. The 35mm 1.4 is tack sharp and never misses focus.

[@MrCochise71]

@@Ultrarmx thanks for the feedback. 🙏🙏

[@s69tuladhar]

Thank you Dustin for this wonderful review. I've always loved your reviews. I've owned this lens for the past two years and it's my favorite. Greetings from Nepal.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Me too. I love this one.

[@is_anyao3605]

Although my English is not very good, I do n’t understand every word I say, but I feel that it is a very rigorous evaluation. It ’s good, and I look forward to getting better and better.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’m glad you learned some things from it.

[@Twobarpsi]

I just bought a 5d2, and I am looking for a 35mm lens. Excellent review!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

There are few better than this one!

[@cweaverstudio]

Just purchased thank you Dustin!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jensenchuaphotography]

i tried the version 1... already pretty impressed with it. Looking to get this amazing glass in time to come. Thanks for your superb reviews, Dustin :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes it is an amazing lens.

[@allmariosarmiento]

A great lens. I bought mine after seeing your review of this lens a few years ago. One of my favorite lenses. Thank you for your work.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It really is a fantastic lens. One of my favorite Canon lenses, period.

[@davidkoster]

Thank you so much Dustin for your detailed review. I own this lens as well and it's fantastic

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It definitely is.

[@РустамГ-р5ь]

Спасибо. Обзор как всегда на высоте.))

[@notbyintentphotography5189]

Thank you for a good solid 35mm review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@chaseviolinsandbows]

You are right about the 35mm milvus having nicer bokehthan the 35mm mkii. But thats also true of the 35mm mki. Not as sharp but nicer bokeh.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's probably true.

[@brandonj8018]

Was able to finally get my hands on this for rent for a shoot (which unfortunately got canceled due to client illness 😞😖) and images were quite nice. But I’m pining for that Tamron!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Too bad about the client. It’s a lovely lens.

[@mhsvz6735]

Thank you for another excellent review!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@fidalgoalejo1]

Very good long term review. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@brandonj8018]

Hey Dustin, Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo has a 35mm 1.4 and it appears to be another alternative, even cheaper. Have you thought about reviewing that lens, as well as their other lenses for budget photographers?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Brandon, at the moment I don't have a supplier for Yongnuo. I mostly review the smaller brands if they reach out to me and send me loaners...and if I have time to get at them.

[@justinholding02]

Great review Dustin. I just got hold of one of these after owning the f2 IS, i must say i'm finding it excellent so far (the f2 IS was no slouch either!) but I agree on the calibration, I added +5 on my 5D4 after testing it with Reikan Focal, but it's not always 100% precise, especially when using Peripheral AF Points. I'm a bit dissapointed here! I will probably be getting the R5 or R6 when it's released, so maybe i'll get better results then.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’m really looking forward to the R5. I’ve already sold my 5DIV in anticipation.

[@justinholding02]

@@DustinAbbottTWI i still find the 5d4 excellent for my wildlife photography, long focal lengths with an optical viewfinder still seem to be the best. But yes i'm also excited about the R5 despite the fact i don't shoot any video

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Mr Abbott

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You bet.

[@Lance_Magillicuddy]

Dustin, another fine job, as usual. In the work you do, do you find that you need both a 35mm and a 50mm? I have the Canon 85mm and a Sigma 50mm, so I'm not sure a 35mm would be necessary. What say you?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That’s going to be up to you, but the focal lengths aren’t radically different. I own all three focal lengths, but my personal case is a little different

[@joriz5869]

Do you have a review of this lens using R5? I'm particularly interested with "focus shifting" because there is no in camera lens calibration on the R5. Why didn't canon just put it. Now they are advertising to have lens/camera calibration, but you have to send it to them.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've used this lens a fair bit on the R5 (I think that was part of this review, if I'm not mistaken), and I have had no issues with focus shift.

[@CRobbins131]

Awesome review! I just purchased the lens for around $900 used.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's an amazing price!

[@CRobbins131]

That was also inaccurate. That was for a The 1st version not the II

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Ahh, still, a pretty good value.

[@GustDeprez]

Excellent review. Still debating wether I should get the Tamron version or this one. I can currently get a great deal on the canon version, for like 1100 bucks. I personally feel like there's something about the canon images and bokeh that the Tamron lacks. I might be biased though. Would you say going for the Canon is worth it, if I get such a good deal on it? Or would you say the Tamron is the better option? Thanks a lot :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are both exceptional. One positive if you can get a great deal on the Canon is that it will hold its valuable extremely well. Probably a good investment.

[@GustDeprez]

Ordered the Canon. The resale value is indeed a great argument, means it’ll hold it’s value very well. Thanks a lot! Can’t wait to use it!

[@alexwang7098]

Hi sir, do you have any plan on the APO-LANTHAR 50/2 APSH ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would love to at some point, but I don't have access to Voigtlander loaners here in Canada right now. I got access to the 110mm and 40mm because I was in the US, so I'm releasing videos on those lenses.

[@alexwang7098]

Dustin Abbott Thank you sir, your reviews are truly amazing, please carry out more of those!

[@lbcitylacounty4982]

Still able to do reviews while this coronavirus growing wild? B&H is closed due to high concern.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It doesn’t really affect me much, other than supply chains on some new products. I’ve got the Voigtlander 40mm F1.2 and 110mm F2.5 Macro lenses, the Canon RF 24-240mm IS, and the Sony 135mm F1.8 GM all on tap for reviews over the next few weeks, along with another long term review of the Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2 already done.

[@MilesforMoments]

Lookin' sharp.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@takoboi]

What are you current thoughts on this vs the less expensive RF 1.8 version? I know you did a review but wondering if your thoughts may have changed

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Frankly I wasn’t a huge fan of the RF 35m F1.8. I found the rendering a little underwhelming, actually. I like the 35mm F2 IS better and this 35L II better still.

[@MeridiusMaximus]

Thank you for great review, Dustin. I own the same model. Question: does this lens produces the same quality image and experience when mounted on Canon R5? Or is better to use an actual RF lens, and maybe sell this one? In fact I have a bunch of EF lenses and just purchased Canon R5. Not sure what to do. I still have to test them out, but I am curious what is you r opinion. Thank you!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I still love this lens on the R5. It works better than ever.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Have you tried the 35mm f/1.4 II on your R5? I would like to know how it is holding up because for some strange reason Canon did not include it in its table for high resolution sensors. Tnx in advance for your lights.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is great on the R5. Love it!

[@michaellekas27]

Hi Dustin. As usual excellent review. My question centers on AF. In particular indoor sports. I own the 70-200mm f2.8 IS ii but require a wider lens. If we compare the canon 35mm f1.4 ii vs canon 24-70mm f2.8 ii vs canon 35mm f2 IS, which would you recommend ? Used the tamron 45mm f1.8 ( excellent lens) but found it not up to the task. Definitely not in 70-200mm f2.8 league for action.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

All three of the Canon options you've mentioned have very fast AF, so any of them would work fine. The Tamron is a good lens optically, but you're right in saying that focus speed is not its forte.

[@michaellekas27]

I just saw your review on the Tamron 35mm f1.4 and how would you rate it’s AF for indoor action with respect to the 3 canon lenses mentioned.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's also very good.

[@chacmool2581]

Worth buying still in 2023?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I still own one, so yes, I would say.

[@herrykadir6442]

Special lens👍👍👍

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Completely agree!

[@trevantesturrup]

Hey Dustin how you're doing I know you know a lot about lens and cameras but I want to get this lens for my camera. So I know you like Tamron products so which one is better the canon 35mm or the Tamron 35mm let me know cause I want only the best

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Canon's main advantage will be that it will probably give slightly more reliable autofocus...but the Tamron is every bit as good optically if not a hair better.

[@trevantesturrup]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I'm going to see about the sigma 35mm 1.4 and call it a day I like cheap not expensive especially when they do the same thing

[@atinabeautyla]

Hi I need help actually I want to buy 35 and I don’t know 35 is better than 16-35 ? Please let me know between35 and 16-35? They are same? Which one should I buy?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I like the 35mm F1.4L II much better, myself.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

In my parts of the woods, the Canon it is twice the price of the Tamron 35mm so I wonder what more you get; e.g. is chromatic aberration better controlled; cause the transition zones by your own report seem better in the Tamron (in the spider shot) and in the other engagement-type shot with the couple the transition zone as you also correctly identified was a bit jittery (this is something I have noticed with other L Canon lenses and I would rather avoid - to be fair I only noticed on grass/plants/vegetation and sand/pebbles). So I wonder in what way the 35mm Tamron may be lacking compared to Canon in terms of IQ? Also I already own the 45mm f/1.8 Tamron and I have been debating in my head if I really need (or want) a 35mm prime. I mean I like the idea being a bit faster and wider but at the expense of how much more distortion? Especially if I'm photographing people, etc. in front/next/inside large buildings that tend to have straight lines I do not want to be seeing such buildings leaning nor unflattering faces cause they happen to be at the 'wrong side' of the centre. Cause this is something lens correction cannot fix. I do appreciate that in Ps one can alter perspective distortion but then you start loosing parts of the photo and I do not want to be shooting and keeping in mind when near buildings to shoot wider for example). Which is why I opted for the 45mm in the first place and I'm very happy with it. As straight as it gets and faces are OK (I do appreciate portrait photographers rave for longer focal lengths). I do also own a 16-35 f/4 and I do notice the aforementioned lean when I shoot at 35mm. Unsure though if the distortion of the Canon 16-35 f/4 at 35mm is much worst than the one of the Canon 35mm f/1.4 ii. Finally f35 f/1.4 vs 45 f/1.8 is neither here nor there in terms of speed/ISO cause the Tamron 45mm has VC which always helps. So I'm happy to sacrifice f/0.4 for VC. Thus the deciding factor may their respective DoF vs FoV. One will need to shoot the 45mm probably a meter further back to get the same FoV, so let's say at 5 meters wide open it has a 1.33m DoF; whereas the 35mm wide open at 4 meters will have a 1.12m DoF. So with the 35mm a step back (i.e. at 4.5m) to get the same DoF as the 45mm Or stay at 4 meters and close its aperture to f1.8. So the only really issue in my mind is if one wants to max the bokeh or not; cause the 45mm will never provide this maxed out bokeh. Maybe at times I would welcome it but not for permanently trading in the aforementioned distortions in return. And for the record the 45mm Tamron is almost half the price of the 35mm Tamron. Any of your lights Dustin or others are welcome. As an endnote the RF mount 50mm f/1.2 may solve this conundrum and deliver both the bokeh, and the lack of distortion, etc. so maybe start saving some money (I was going to put towards the 35 and start thinking in the RF direction - need to watch its reviews again although I seem to remember Dustin was very happy about it).

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The Tamron 35mm F1.4 is very close in almost all tested areas. It is an exceptional value for money.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Tnx

[@peetje28021970]

Right, the finances allow it so based on your reviews which I watched dozens of times I'm getting mine today to compliment my 24mm 1.4 the 50mm 1.2 and the 85mm 1.2. All based on your reviews, thank you Dustin. Thinking of getting the 70-200 2.8 iii as well, this is getting out of control lol.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You’ll enjoy this one!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You’ll enjoy this one!

[@peetje28021970]

Dustin Abbott bought it today but i didn't went for the 70-200, although I like the focal range of this beast I think I don't like to carry it around and I bought the 85 1.4 next to my 85 1.2 Can't wait to compare the two.

[@romanrubaj3707]

So, is this lens better than new tamron 1.4 35mm?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not really. That Tamron is an incredibly good lens.

[@syeduzair7830]

Will this be lens resolve the high resolution of the Eos R5 (which is rumoured to have a 45mp sensor). What about chromatic aberration being more apparent due to the high resolution sensor?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think it will work just fine. I've tested it on a 42Mpx a7RIII without issue.

[@spencertan]

I haven't got much luck with this lens. Tried 3 copies and can't find one with consistent autofocus...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I actually had some focus inconsistencies with my own copy. I had Canon calibrate it.

[@rwootenvideo]

Can you recommend me an ultra wide EF for video (crop sensor)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Tamron 10-24 VC is pretty good and gives stabilization

[@shademanirvanipour6870]

I got the mark 1 Canon EF 35mm f1.4L

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a nice lens, though not as sharp.

[@giacomom2370]

I love the Mark I, have owned it for 3 years now. However, sharpness is not the main consideration. I am looking to upgrade to this Mark II because of chromatic aberrations. In photography is fine because it’s easy to fix in Photoshop but it’s quite noticeable in video unfortunately.

[@RozelyLindim]

gotta save money to get this lens.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I continue to love it years later

[@shademanirvanipour6870]

Yes well the new canon EF 35mm F1.4L is over £1.200 in Uk

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is expensive.

[@kirk0831]

canon 35L 50L 85L having the same 72mm

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's true.

[@trevantesturrup]

I know you have 5 years with it but I want a great lens to get the shots I want. I know the auto focus is great

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This is an amazing lens for sure.

[@trevantesturrup]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks again Dustin you're the best nobody does it like you

[@NathenDanforth]

I can't stand the focusing of the RF 35mm 1.8. It hunts like crazy and sounds like a toy. And the rendering is underwhelming for sure. When considering adapting to use on an R6 what are your thoughts on a new Tamron 35mm 1.4 for $900 vs a used copy of the EF 35mm 1.4L ii for $1100? It's the $200 savings worth it for the Tamron? I'd wait for the RF 35L but that will likely be north of 2K. Sony's 35mm 1.4 GM almost alone makes me want to switch ecosystems...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Nate, either the Canon or Tamron are great lenses. I haven't used the Tamron adapted, but I do own this lens and it works great via adapter.

[@NathenDanforth]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for taking the time to reply and for your continued high quality reviews!

[@angellondian7628]

Thank you sir. Can you comment on the differences between ver 1 & ver 2?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

not at length, but the first generation lens had lower magnification up close, much more chromatic aberrations, was less sharp, but did have very nice bokeh.