p.1 #1 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
This was sort of the peak of Canon optical design and character back when the Mark II was released, before VCM and software correction dependence, and I used to enjoy it back when.
Prices are dropped a lot of these and I was wondering if anyone uses it on their RF mount cameras these days? Heck, you can even use this lens on Nikon Z mount or Sony E, even it if pretty large and heavy when counting in an adapter.
p.1 #2 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
I have been looking for one but don't want to overpay. I think the VC is what Sigma or Tamron would have if they had a RF mount and at a much lower cost.
p.1 #3 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
From what I understand, it is not optimal for shooting video, but it delivers great image quality for photography, even if the AF system doesn't really compete with today's tech.
p.1 #4 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
I owned the original 35/1.4 and wasn't impressed with the sharpness when shot close to wide open, I sold it, replaced it with a Sigma 35/1.4ART and am still happy with it. I've seen clean used 35/1.4II's for about $900 and thought about buying one but I don't use the focal length much.
May 27, 2026 at 10:38 AM
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p.1 #5 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
I had a copy of the EF 35 f/1.4 II that I had when I was still using a Sony A7r V. It worked well on that high resolution camera and was for my tastes plenty sharp wide open and it controlled CA very well. It was a big lens, but a great performer. I think it is still a good choice if you can live with its size, don't need video, and don't need the absolute fastest AF speed.
p.1 #6 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
EF 35mm f/1.4 Mark II is a great lens, a big leap over the original version. That being said, I replaced it with a cheaper Tamron 35mm f/1.4 prime and I couldn't be happier.
p.1 #7 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
campy wrote:
I have been looking for one but don't want to overpay. I think the VC is what Sigma or Tamron would have if they had a RF mount and at a much lower cost.
FYI, this lens is currently in stock with a massive refurbished discount ($1,099 !) at the Canon Direct store:
p.1 #9 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
I had that lens before and was my favorite 35 at the time.
Today, I recommend finding the Tamron 35mm 1.4 sp
Is not only sharper but has even smoother bokeh.
I don't know what kind of magic Tamron did on this lens but wow!
You may want to grab the tap in console to update the firmware if not on 2.0 so that ibis works but still it's insane that you can get it at a much lower price than the Canon while getting superior IQ.
I love gems like that 😄👍
patotts wrote:
This was sort of the peak of Canon optical design and character back when the Mark II was released, before VCM and software correction dependence, and I used to enjoy it back when.
Prices are dropped a lot of these and I was wondering if anyone uses it on their RF mount cameras these days? Heck, you can even use this lens on Nikon Z mount or Sony E, even it if pretty large and heavy when counting in an adapter.
p.1 #10 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
I'm still using the 35 ii on my R5. It's probably my favorite Canon lens. The only downside is the size, which is a bit bigger than I'd like. But, optically it has no visible weaknesses and doesn't rely on software corrections (which I strongly prefer). I use it for video work too, but most of my video doesn't rely on AF tracking, so it's worked extremely well for my use case for years.
p.1 #11 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
GabrielPhoto wrote:
I had that lens before and was my favorite 35 at the time.
Today, I recommend finding the Tamron 35mm 1.4 sp
Is not only sharper but has even smoother bokeh.
I recall that the Tamron was very highly regarded. Roger Cicala called it optically the best 35mm lens you can get (at the time):
The Canon also was considered to be at the top of the DSLR lens food chain by many. If you look at a comparison of the two lenses at Bryan's site, the Canon appears sharper in the center at f/1.4, while the Tamron is sharper at the periphery.
I imagine that either lens would satisfy optically, but Bryan does mention some focus inconsistency in his review of the Tamron. This was using SLRs though. I imagine things would improve with if using this lens on a mirrorless body.
The Canon also was considered to be at the top of the DSLR lens food chain by many. If you look at a comparison of the two lenses at Bryan's site, the Canon appears sharper in the center at f/1.4, while the Tamron is sharper at the periphery.
I imagine that either lens would satisfy optically, but Bryan does mention some focus inconsistency in his review of the Tamron. This was using SLRs though. I imagine things would improve with if using this lens on a mirrorless body.
I trust the lens rental test much more since they dont base tests on single copies and it shows a clear advantage for the Tamron form center to edges
As I recall, only the Sigma 35mm 1.2 was able to almost match it.
Regards
p.1 #15 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
patotts wrote:
From what I understand, it is not optimal for shooting video, but it delivers great image quality for photography, even if the AF system doesn't really compete with today's tech.
What is its issue for video ? I was considering it for video… any alternative to it with similar image characteristics? Any recommendations?
p.1 #16 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
GabrielPhoto wrote:
I trust the lens rental test much more since they dont base tests on single copies and it shows a clear advantage for the Tamron form center to edges
As I recall, only the Sigma 35mm 1.2 was able to almost match it.
These measurements are made at infinity focus. How often do you use a 35mm lens focussed to infinity?
p.1 #17 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
melcat wrote:
These measurements are made at infinity focus. How often do you use a 35mm lens focussed to infinity?
Mate, I get it..its hard to accept something cheaper is better..specially if you own the expensive one
I had both, I now only have the Tamron because its the better lens...end of the story. That is a fact.
You can accept it or keep living in denial: https://youtu.be/qluBrjrcej4?si=igEv4U-e-KMYZEM3
Was that at infinity too?
Its a fact that its a better lens...there is no IFs or BUTs about it..is just reality.
If you want to cherry pick the one test where a subpar copy lost to fit your narrative...go ahead.
That wont change reality.
I am done with you...I no longer engage on pointless arguments. A LONG time ago I learned to find the best gear that fits my needs, without thinking about brand labels or pricing..just REAL LIFE performance.
You may have the last word (even though I wont see it as I am placing you in "timeout")
p.1 #18 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Mate, I get it..its hard to accept something cheaper is better..specially if you own the expensive one
I do not. The EF 35mm f/1.4 II has been available to me several times at a very good price since before I had a mirrorless body, and every time I have rejected it as being too big and heavy. Once I got a mirrorless body that argument got even stronger because of the adapter. For those now rare times I still need a 35mm f/1.4 I continue to use the original EF version I bought 15 years ago (I favour an ultra-wide zoom now instead).
p.1 #20 · Anyone still loves/uses the EF 35/1.4 II USM?
patotts wrote:
This was sort of the peak of Canon optical design and character back when the Mark II was released, before VCM and software correction dependence, and I used to enjoy it back when.
Prices are dropped a lot of these and I was wondering if anyone uses it on their RF mount cameras these days?
I bought a new copy from a small rural dealer in Germany about half a year ago. Was looking around for fast primes as I wanted to dabble more with shallow-DoF in nature photograph. Was specifically looking for the EF 35/1.4 II to avoid the high cost of fast RF primes, especially because I usually don't do people photography. Got my new EF 35/1.4 II L for less than half the recommended resale price over here in Germany.
I'm happy with my new EF 35/1.4 II as well as the EF 85/1.4 L IS I got for almost the same price. Was specifically looking for those two, in part because of the optical tests by Roger Cicala / Lensrentals confirmed their quality.
