Canon EF 35mm F1.4 L USM Review

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1998.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle prime lenses, a wide angle lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 1998 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 35mm F1.4 L USM :

"L-series professional f/1.4 wide-angle lens with an Aspherical lens element to correct aberrations. The floating system enables high picture quality to be obtained over the entire focusing range. Autofocusing is quick and quiet with rear focusing and ring USM. Full-time manual focusing is also possible.

This 35mm L-series lens boasts the brightness of the largest aperture in its class and unrivaled natural delineation. A ground and polished aspherical glass lens element (9th) thoroughly eliminates spherical aberration and distortion. It achieves extremely sharp, faultless image quality only possible with a single focal length lens. A floating mechanism in its optical system corrects all aberrations in the medium and near focusing distances to maintain the lensī super image quality from the closest shooting distance of 0.3m to infinity. The AF drive system features silent, high-speed AF using rear focus system and a ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor). A wide focus ring permits smooth full-time manual focusing. The non-rotating filter frame affords easy use of circular polarizing and other type of filters. All eleven lens elements are made of environment-friendly lead-free glass."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 35 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/1,4.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is extremely bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "EW-78C".

Images of Canon EF 35mm F1.4 L USM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/1,4
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (580 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 35mm F1.4 L USM .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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