Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM review

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is the ultimate Canon wide-angle prime, but luxury comes at a price

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM review
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Easily among the best in its class, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is a lens for those who demand the best, particularly reportage and documentary photographers. Optical quality is uniformly excellent, and autofocus is lightning-fast and super-accurate. This is not a carry-everywhere lens for anyone – due mostly to its physical bulk and price tag, both of which are intimidating to say the least. If neither of these factors bother you, have at it. You’ll find this superb prime does everything you need and more.

Pros

  • +

    Pin-sharp with great contrast

  • +

    Excellent autofocus

Cons

  • -

    Bulky

  • -

    Expensive

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The 35mm prime is a modern classic lens, fondly loved by reportage photographers in particular for its wide but naturalistic perspective, allowing users to capture the world almost as the human eye sees it. The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is the modern evolution of this lens, its second iteration in the prestigious L series of pro-spec lenses, and it's undoubtedly one of the best Canon wide-angle lenses.

This is a heavyweight lens in every way. It goes large in aperture rating at f/1.4; it boasts top-grade, weather-sealed construction with a fluorine keep-clean coating on the front element; and it features the best glass that Canon can make. Indeed, it was the first lens to feature BR (Blue spectrum Refractive) optics, based on an organic optical material that Canon engineers at molecular level for optimum performance. However, it’s also a physically big lens, at 80x106mm and 760g. Suffice to say this lens isn’t exactly stealthy for candid street shots.

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.