Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L II USM Lens

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens

• The wide-angle 35mm lens is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however, can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 56mm equivalent focal length.

• Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords significant control over the depth of field for working with selective focus techniques.

• The Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics element eliminates color fringing and chromatic aberrations by refracting shorter wavelengths of the visible spectrum (blue light).

• A pair of aspherical elements and one UD element also help control aberrations and distortions for sharper image quality.

• A Sub Wavelength Coating has been applied to individual elements to control lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.

• A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.

• As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions.

• Fluorine-coating on exposed elements affords protection to the optical system, resists smudging and fingerprints, and is easier to clean.

Build

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II is built to last. It is constructed with a metal barrel and a durable rubber focusing ring. I have owned it for over 3.5 years now, and it has yet to show any signs of age. I have used this lens in the rain, snow, and wind, and have never had an issue with it. All focusing is done internally which means the front glass doesn’t extend out when focusing. This helps prevent it from damage and keeps dust out. It is probably the best dust-sealed lens I own. The lens hood has a felt interior which helps to collect dust and to block bouncing light. I almost always shoot with hoods on my lenses to help prevent damage from bumps and to stop stray light from washing out my images. 

Autofocus

The autofocus of the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II is incredible. It is one of the quickest and most accurate lenses I have used. Because it is so fast and accurate, I often use this lens to photograph processionals and recessionals as it can easily track the bride and groom as they walk down the aisle. The quick autofocus also means I can use this lens for candids. During cocktail hour, I will quickly make my way through the crowd and capture guests talking and laughing. Using this lens, I can capture both guests and the context of the moment without disrupting the emotion! The lens also focuses greatly in the dark. I can photograph the first dance as well as sparkler send-offs and know that my images will be in focus. 

Sharpness

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II is crazy sharp. When shooting wide open at f/1.4, images are sharp not only in the middle of the frame but also all the way to the edges of the photo! Because of this, I am able to photograph groups of people, keeping them all in focus, while simultaneously, the background will have a beautiful blur to it. This allows the people in the photo to really pop out of the image, drawing the eye to the subject and framing them with a beautifully blurry background. 

Wide Aperture

The biggest reason I love the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II is its f/1.4 aperture. While this lens is more expensive than other lenses, its f/1.4 aperture lets in so much more light that it completely justifies the price tag. When using this lens, I don’t need to use a flash in many situations, whereas if I were using a zoom lens with an f/2.8 aperture, I would need to use a flash. I am certainly not against using a flash when the situation calls for one, but my belief is that much of a wedding day should be documented using the light that was actually present so that the couple can remember their day as it was experienced.

Specification

Packaging Info