Canon has finally announced the long-rumored update to one of the most popular primes in the EF lens lineup, and it brings with it a completely re-developed optical design to complement the new reign of high-resolution EOS DSLRs. The EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM offers the natural wide-angle perspective favored by many journalistic photographers, along with the fast f/1.4 maximum aperture for enhanced low-light performance and selective focus control. Suitable for more than just reportage imaging, the 35mm focal length is one of the most versatile lenses to suit portraiture, landscape, and even close-up subjects; and as an L-series optic, its weather-sealed construction benefits working in harsh environments.
The re-formulated lens design, comprising 14 elements in 11 groups, incorporates one of Canon's newly developed Blue Spectrum Refractive (BR) elements, which is poised to deliver increased clarity by significantly reducing chromatic aberrations and color fringing. Two aspherical elements and one UD (Ultra Low Dispersion) element are also integrated into the lens design, and further help to control distortions and aberrations for consistent sharpness and even illumination. Individual elements feature a Subwavelength Coating (SWC), too, to minimize lens flare and ghosting, and fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces protect the optics from fingerprints and smudging.
This version II of the 35mm f/1.4L again features smooth, quiet, and fast AF performance, thanks to an Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which also offers full-time manual focus control by simply rotating the focus ring at any time. The nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out-of-focus quality with shallow-depth-of-field imagery, and an improved minimum focusing distance of 11" with a 0.21x maximum magnification allows you to more effectively photograph close-up subjects. While designed for full-frame EOS DSLRs, this lens can also be used on APS-C models where it will provide a 56mm equivalent focal length.
Announced alongside the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is its dedicated EW-77B Lens Hood, which is included with the lens and available as a spare or replacement item.
| EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM | EF 35mm f/1.4L USM | |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | 35mm | 35mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | Not specified by manufacturer | f/22 |
| Angle of View | 63° | 63° |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 11" / 28cm | 11.8" / 30cm |
| Autofocus Motor | USM | USM |
| Magnification | 0.21x | 0.18x |
| Lens Construction | 14 elements in 11 groups | 11 elements in 9 groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 8 |
| Filter Ring Diameter | 72mm | 72mm |
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 4.2" / 80.4 x 105.5mm | 3.1 x 3.4" / 79 x 86mm |
| Weight | 1.7 lb / 760 g | 1.3 lb / 580 g |
| Compatibility | Canon EOS DSLRs, both full-frame and APS-C | Canon EOS DSLRs, both full-frame and APS-C |
11 Comments
Hi B&H, I have pre-ordered a lens, very exciting. Just wondering, do we have a date for expected shipping in October yet?
Unfortunately Canon has not indicated any specific delivery date or timeframe on the lens at this point yet. When they do we will update the lens' product link on our website to reflect that new information. For inquiries about your particular order's status or to,make changes etc, you may always contact our Customer Service dept directly at [email protected].
Whats the price?
If you click on the link above labled "Order Now" just below the lens it will take you to the lens' product link on our website, where it will feature the current price as well other product details and recommended accessories etc.
Why did Canon not make this an image stabilized lens?! What a bad decision...
Requiring the light to pass through the additional elements required for stabilization can degrade the image. Not including the additional IS related moving parts and expense in an already fast wide angle prime lens is a good decision.
As said above, if this were a less expensive f3.5 or f4.0 lens, it might make sense to add IS as a compromise. However, with higher ISO capability in modern camera bodies do you really need 3 more stops of capability added to an f1.4 lens that is already 3 full stops faster than an f4.0 lens?
Someone above wanted IS to shoot video. I don't shoot video and prefer a high quality prime that shoots clean still images.
Canon sells an expensive line of video equipment and equally expensive video lenses. However, if you want an IS lens to shoot video using an SLR, there are many IS lenses in the lineup with and without STM for contant focusing while shooting video. Implementing the compromises required to engineer a lens for all possible uses would result in a subpar product, which is why we shoot using camera bodies that allow us to change lenses to suit our purposes.
As an amateur, do you think Image Stabilisation should have been implemented in that 35mm lens ?
I don't think so. Image stabilisation is less important on wide lenses. Not to mention the 1.4 is fast. If this were a kit lens that only went to 3.5, maybe, but it's not. If you need it, use a monopod.
Absolutely not, that just adds cost and complexity, at f/1.4, IS is not really needed. This should be a stellar lens.
When we use this lens for video the IS is a big help...
thi s video stipped and won't play at the beginning of the 35 mm f1.4 lens