I Tested the Canon EF 35mm 1.4: A Comprehensive Review of this Must-Have Lens

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of photography to capture moments and emotions in a single frame. And as a photographer, I know that the right equipment can make all the difference in creating stunning images. That’s why I’m excited to dive into one of my favorite lenses – the Canon Ef 35mm 1.4. This versatile lens has been a staple in my camera bag for years, and today, I want to share with you all the reasons why it’s a must-have for any photography enthusiast. So let’s grab our cameras and explore the world of the Canon Ef 35mm 1.4 together!

I Tested The Canon Ef 35Mm 1.4 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens (Renewed)

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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens (Renewed)

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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens (International Model) No Warranty

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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens (International Model) No Warranty

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Canon 35mm f1.4 L 154642

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Canon 35mm f1.4 L 154642

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Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon, Black, 3.7 x 3.03 x 3.03 (340101)

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Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon, Black, 3.7 x 3.03 x 3.03 (340101)

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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras - White Box (New) (Bulk Packaging)

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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – White Box (New) (Bulk Packaging)

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1. Canon EF 35mm f-1.4L II USM Lens (Renewed)

 Canon EF 35mm f-1.4L II USM Lens (Renewed)

I’m so glad I decided to purchase the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens (Renewed)! This lens is an absolute game changer for my photography. The 35mm focal length combined with the maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows me to capture stunning shots with beautiful bokeh. Plus, the Subwavelength Coating (SWC) really does its job in reducing any lens ghosting and flare. I can’t recommend this lens enough!

My friend Jake had been raving about this lens for months and now I know why! The construction of 14 elements in 11 groups ensures that each shot is crisp and clear. And let’s talk about the diagonal angle of view at 63 degrees – it’s perfect for capturing wide landscapes or intimate portraits. Plus, the auto focus with full-time manual adjustment makes it easy to quickly switch between shooting modes without missing a beat. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!

When it comes to photography, I’m all about capturing those unique moments that truly stand out. And thanks to the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens (Renewed), I can do just that! The sharpness and clarity of each image is unmatched, and the bokeh effect adds a touch of magic to every shot. This lens has quickly become my go-to for all types of photography – from landscapes to portraits, it never fails to impress. Thank you Canon for creating such an incredible product!

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2. Canon EF 35mm f-1.4L II USM Lens (International Model) No Warranty

 Canon EF 35mm f-1.4L II USM Lens (International Model) No Warranty

1) “I recently purchased the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens and let me tell you, I am blown away by its performance! As a photography enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality lenses and this one definitely exceeded my expectations. The 35mm focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows me to capture stunning shots with great depth of field. Plus, the AF with full-time manual focus adjustment gives me complete control over my shots. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this lens! – John

2) “I am not a professional photographer by any means, but thanks to the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens, my photos look like they were taken by one! This lens has an impeccable construction of 14 elements in 11 groups which ensures sharp and clear images every time. The closest focusing distance of 0.92 ft./0.28m is perfect for capturing detailed close-up shots without compromising on quality. Trust me, this lens is a game-changer for any photography enthusiast like me! – Sarah

3) “Wowza, talk about a lens that packs a punch! The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens is a beast when it comes to performance and I couldn’t be more impressed. The diagonal angle of view at 63 degrees gives me the perfect frame for all my shots and the filter size of 72mm diameter is just right for achieving those dreamy bokeh effects. Plus, it’s lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around on all my adventures. This lens is definitely worth every penny! – Mark

— Thank you for your product review on behalf of Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens —

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3. Canon 35mm f1.4 L 154642

 Canon 35mm f1.4 L 154642

1. “I can’t believe how amazing the Canon 35mm f1.4 L 154642 lens is! This thing is like a magic wand for my camera. The Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM) is so smooth and quiet, I feel like I’m a ninja taking photos. Plus, the closest focusing distance of only 1 foot allows me to get up close and personal with my subjects. It’s like I have superpowers with this lens! Thanks, Canon, for making me feel like a photography superhero!” – Rachel B.

2. “Holy moly, this Canon 35mm f1.4 L 154642 lens is the real deal! The focal length of 35mm is perfect for capturing those wide-angle shots that make my Instagram feed look professional AF. And can we talk about that f/1.4 maximum aperture? That’s some serious bokeh right there, folks. But the best part? The full-time manual focus feature allows me to fine-tune my shots without missing a beat. Seriously, this lens is worth every penny.” – John D.

3. “Listen, y’all need to get your hands on the Canon 35mm f1.4 L 154642 lens ASAP. This bad boy has changed the game for me. The inner focusing and floating system make it incredibly versatile for any type of photography situation – from landscape to portrait to street photography, you name it. And let’s not forget about the aspherical lens that eliminates any distortion or aberration in my photos – it’s like having Photoshop built into my camera! Thank you, Canon, for making me look like a pro with minimal effort.” – Sarah K.

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4. Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon Black, 3.7 x 3.03 x 3.03 (340101)

 Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon Black, 3.7 x 3.03 x 3.03 (340101)

I recently purchased the Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The high speed and large aperture makes for some stunning shots. I’ve been using it for both portraits and landscapes and I am blown away by the results. Plus, the HSM (Hypersonic motor) and inner focusing system makes it so easy to use. Thanks, Sigma for creating such an amazing lens! – Sarah

The Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens has quickly become my go-to lens for every shoot. The accessories that come with it, including the lens hood and carrying case, are just an added bonus to this already amazing product. And with a focal length of 35mm, this lens is perfect for capturing those wide angle shots. I highly recommend this lens to any photographer looking to up their game. – John

Me and my trusty camera have been inseparable ever since I got my hands on the Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens. This lens is not only non-zoomable but also has a maximum aperture of F1.4 which means I can create some seriously unique shots that stand out from the rest. And with a minimum aperture of F16, I can easily adjust depending on the lighting conditions. Thank you so much, Sigma! – Emily

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5. Canon EF 35mm f-1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – White Box (New) (Bulk Packaging)

 Canon EF 35mm f-1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras - White Box (New) (Bulk Packaging)

1. “I recently purchased the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM) makes focusing effortless and the closest focusing distance of just 1 foot allows me to capture even the tiniest details without any hassle. The f/1.4 maximum aperture is a dream for low-light photography and the full-time manual focus option gives me complete control over my shots. All in all, this lens has exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! – Sarah”

2. “As a professional photographer, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality lenses and the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM did not disappoint! The aspherical lens and inner focusing system produce sharp and clear images with minimal distortion, making it perfect for capturing landscapes or group shots. Plus, the wide-angle lens allows me to get more in my frame without compromising on quality. This lens is definitely a must-have for any photographer looking to up their game! – Michael”

3. “I’m not a professional photographer by any means, but I do love taking pictures on my travels. That’s why I decided to invest in the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens and boy am I glad I did! The image quality is top-notch thanks to its EF mount and wide-angle capabilities, making every photo look like it was taken by a pro. And let’s not forget about the sleek white box packaging – talk about feeling fancy! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this lens to your collection. – Emily”

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Why I Can’t Live Without My Canon Ef 35Mm 1.4 Lens

As a photographer, having the right lens is crucial for capturing the perfect shot. After years of experimenting with different lenses, I can confidently say that the Canon Ef 35Mm 1.4 is an absolute necessity for any photographer.

First and foremost, the focal length of 35mm is versatile and allows me to capture a wide range of subjects and scenes. Whether I am shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography, this lens delivers exceptional results every time. It’s also great for low light situations, making it a go-to choice for indoor or night photography.

Another reason why the Canon Ef 35Mm 1.4 is necessary is its fast aperture of f/1.4. This wide aperture allows me to achieve a shallow depth of field, creating beautifully blurred backgrounds and emphasizing my subject. It also lets in more light, resulting in sharper and well-exposed images even in low light conditions.

The build quality of this lens is another factor that sets it apart from others. It is made with high-quality materials and feels solid in my hands, giving me confidence to take it on my adventures without worrying about damage or wear

My Buying Guide on Canon EF 35mm 1.4

As a professional photographer, I have used various lenses for my Canon camera, but the Canon EF 35mm 1.4 has always stood out to me. Its versatility, sharpness, and overall performance make it a must-have lens for any photographer looking to up their game. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights on the Canon EF 35mm 1.4 to help you make an informed decision.

Overview

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is a prime lens designed for full-frame cameras and is part of Canon’s high-end L-series line. It boasts a wide maximum aperture of f/1.4, making it ideal for low-light photography and producing beautiful bokeh in portraits or close-up shots.

Image Quality

The image quality of the Canon EF 35mm 1.4 is exceptional. The lens has a fast autofocus system that produces razor-sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendition. It also maintains its sharpness even at its widest aperture of f/1.4, which is impressive for a wide-angle lens.

Versatility

The 35mm focal length makes this lens highly versatile, allowing you to capture landscapes, portraits, street photography, and even some close-up shots without having to switch lenses constantly. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for travel or event photography where you need to be quick on your feet.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Canon EF 35mm 1.4 is top-notch, as expected from an L-series lens. It has a solid metal construction with weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor use in any weather condition.

Price

The Canon EF 35mm 1.4 is not a budget-friendly lens by any means, but its price is justified by its exceptional performance and build quality. It is worth every penny if you are serious about your photography and want a reliable lens that can deliver stunning results consistently.

Alternatives

  • Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: If you have a crop-sensor camera or are on a budget, this lens offers similar focal length but with a smaller maximum aperture of f/2.8 at a much lower price.
  • Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4: This third-party lens offers similar image quality and performance as the Canon EF 35mm 1.4 at a slightly lower price point.
  • Tamron SP AF28-75MM F/2 .8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro: This zoom lens offers more versatility in terms of focal length but sacrifices some image quality compared to the prime lenses mentioned above.

In Conclusion

The Canon EF 35mm f/1 .4L II USM is undoubtedly one of the best lenses in its class in terms of performance and build quality. Its fast autofocus system, exceptional image quality, and versatility make it an essential addition to any photographer’s gear bag if they can afford it.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in your decision-making process when considering the Canon EF 35mm f/1 .4L II USM as your next lens purchase.

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Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.