Canon 35mm f/1.4 L - UPDATE: I LOVE THIS LENS!

Good Morning Everyone!

I was just going over my lens short wish list and this one is very near the top of it along with a few others. I have a few months ahead to decide on one.

I have read many great reviews on the 35mm f/1.4 L although I have not seen much said about it on this site. For any of you that have used it, what is your opinion of it? Is it worth the $. Only negative I have found elsewhere is that it is slightly overpriced.

Also, there are two listings on Amazon for it, different dimensions, price & model numbers ...aren't the the same lens?

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-35MM-1-4L-Wide-Angle/dp/B00005KHS3/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1277567551&sr=8-4-spell

and

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6WY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf _rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1H23CWX5VKA9QMZNVZ8M&pf_rd_t=101 &pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

All reviews and opinions appreciated!

Denise

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I was just going over my lens short wish list and this one is very near the top of it along with a few others. I have a few months ahead to decide on one.

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If you have the money get it.

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I have read many great reviews on the 35mm f/1.4 L although I have not seen much said about it on this site. For any of you that have used it, what is your opinion of it? Is it worth the $. Only negative I have found elsewhere is that it is slightly overpriced.

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You have a 50 1.4. Is that 15mm worth $1500? If yes then buy it. It's a great lens (I've rented it) but it's due to be replaced soon. Personally for me 35mm isn't any more useful than 50mm. I'd use the $1500 to get something else.

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

All reviews and opinions appreciated!

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Rent the lens then decide.

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Originally Posted by Brendan7

If you have the money get it.

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Ummm....ok.

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Originally Posted by Brendan7

You have a 50 1.4. Is that 15mm worth $1500? If yes then buy it. It's a great lens (I've rented it) but it's due to be replaced soon. Personally for me 35mm isn't any more useful than 50mm. I'd use the $1500 to get something else.

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So, if I have the money...don't get it?

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Originally Posted by Brendan7

Rent the lens then decide.

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Why blow money for somethingI'd want to own long term? I can see if it is for a specific one time very short term purpose that you need a certain lens forbut most places have a money back guarantee less shipping. Shipping is less than rental fees. I don't get the benefit of renting.

Also, there is a huge difference in IQ with the 35mm f/1.4 L and 50mm 1.4 that I have wouldn't you think? I really don't think they are even close.

Denise

The 35 1.4 is light years better than the 50 1.4. The 35 is very, very sharp and for a wide angle the bokeh is very smooth and dreamy. I've seen people comment that the bokeh is "nervous" looking, I think they may be comparing it to a telephoto which isn't a fair comparison. For a wide it is as good as you can get IMO.


The 35 is a great compliment to my 85 1.2. The images have a consistent look between them, I definitely can not say the same for the 50 1.4. I try to use those 2 lenses when ever possible. The images just look so much better than any zoom I have ever owned.


As far as the 35 getting an update; I personally don't expect it this year. The 24 1.4 was updated a year and a half ago because it had deficiencies. The update to the 24 is said to have brought it close to (but not quite) the IQ of the 35. So I don't think Canon is in a rush to update the 35. If it is updated I'd expect it with the 5DIII which is probably a year and a half away.


I have always been curious to the neglect this lens gets on this site. Bryan only has it in a couple recommended lists and they are low on them.

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I have read many great reviews on the 35mm f/1.4 L although I have not seen much said about it on this site. For any of you that have used it, what is your opinion of it? Is it worth the $. Only negative I have found elsewhere is that it is slightly overpriced.

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Are you asking if 35mm and f/1.4 is worth the money, or whether, assuming you want a 35mm f/1.4 lens, Canon's 35mm f/1.4 L is a good one?


In answer to the second question, I've never used it but many on this site seem to love it. Based on Bryan's review and all the good things I've heard about the 35
f/1.4 on this site and elsewhere, I would have no reservations about
buying the lens if I wanted that focal length and aperture.


As to the first question, my personal feeling is that for my shooting style, speed and sharpness are not that important for a wideish lens. I don't care so much for speed because with wide angle, I usually am not trying to obliterate the background, but rather to include it. Sharpness isn't super important because I'm probably not going to crop heavily (a long lens can never be sharp enough because sharper means you can crop more... that is, sharper means more reach). So for me, the cheaper and more versatile 17-40 f/4 is fine.


That said, some people like the awesome hand-holdability of a fast, short lens and some *do* like the narrow DOF effect at shorter focal lengths. And some just like super-sharp pictures, even if they are not cropping. (Maybe they want to blow up to 24" x 36", maybe they just like to zoom in and gaze lovingly at the pixels). And I guess on a crop body, 35mm isn't that wide (are you buying for APS-C or FF?)


Okay... I feel like I just babbled. Hopefully my babbling was of some use :)

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Originally Posted by Keith B

The 35 is very, very sharp and for a wide angle the bokeh is very smooth and dreamy. I've seen people comment that the bokeh is "nervous" looking, I think they may be comparing it to a telephoto which isn't a fair comparison. For a wide it is as good as you can get IMO.


The 35 is a great compliment to my 85 1.2. The images have a consistent look between them, I definitely can not say the same for the 50 1.4. I try to use those 2 lenses when ever possible. The images just look so much better than any zoom I have ever owned.

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Thank you for your response, Keith. It has been very helpful!

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Originally Posted by Keith B

As far as the 35 getting an update; I personally don't expect it this year.

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I was wondering about this and was planning to hold off anyway just to see what Canon does come out with later this year but if they do improve on this one, it will probably shoot it out of my price range.

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Originally Posted by Keith B

I have always been curious to the neglect this lens gets on this site. Bryan only has it in a couple recommended lists and they are low on them.

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That was one of the main reasons why I posted this. I was curious why there hasn't been too much hype about it on this site.

Thanks again!

Denise

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Originally Posted by Jon Ruyle

Are you asking if 35mm and f/1.4 is worth the money, or whether, assuming you want a 35mm f/1.4 lens, Canon's 35mm f/1.4 L is a good one?

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I was asking about the Canon 35mm f/1.4 L lens specifically.

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Originally Posted by Jon Ruyle

And I guess on a crop body, 35mm isn't that wide (are you buying for APS-C or FF?)

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I'd be using it with my 7d and probably won't go FF for many years yet.

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Originally Posted by Jon Ruyle

Hopefully my babbling was of some use :)

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For general purposes, yes it was & I very much appreciate your insight! [:)]

Denise

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Originally Posted by Jon Ruyle

And I guess on a crop body, 35mm isn't that wide (are you buying for APS-C or FF?)
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A 35mm on a crop body is a good standard (56mm equivalent). If you like a 50mm on a FF you will like a 35mm on a crop frame.


Mark

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Originally Posted by clemmb

A 35mm on a crop body is a good standard (56mm equivalent). If you like a 50mm on a FF you will like a 35mm on a crop frame.

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Hi Mark,


Thanks for the reply! I do know what a 35mm will get me in general. I have two zooms that cover it. I was really looking for feedback on this lens. I was wondering about IQ, bokeh, any AF issues, speed, accuracy ...anything at all favorable or unfavorable. I was going to get the 85mm f/1.2 L II but I don't think I would be happy with the size &amp; weight of it. I like the size and weight ofthis oneand all reviews I've read elsewhere are very positive but I always like to hear what others on this site think. I've never been steered wrong yet!

Denise

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Thanks for the reply! I do know what a 35mm will get me in general. I have two zooms that cover it. I was really looking for feedback on this lens. I was wondering about IQ, bokeh, any AF issues, speed, accuracy ...anything at all favorable or unfavorable. I was going to get the 85mm f/1.2 L II but I don't think I would be happy with the size &amp; weight of it. I like the size and weight ofthis oneand all reviews I've read elsewhere are very positive but I always like to hear what others on this site think. I've never been steered wrong yet!

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The 35L has great IQ, great bokeh, great AF. No issues to speak of.


However, I don't understand your logic. You think an 85L is too big so you go for a 35L? Were both lenses on your original wishlist, or are you buying the 35L instead? Keith uses them to complement each other and they are very different lenses. If it's bokeh you're looking for, you can't beat the 85L. The 85L may be heavy but it's compact and I don't think you'll have a problem with it. Anyway, If 35mm is a focal length you want the 35L is the ultimate way to cover it. No issues that I know of.


brendan

Denise


I used my 35mm on my XSi as a walk around indoor lens(sometimes out door too). at 1,4, it's not very sharp, but color and quality of bokeh are very impressive. I'v almost never used my 50mm 1.4 again since I got the 35mm1.4. I especially like the feeling of this combo holding in my hand, not too big not too small, not too heavy not too light, not too bulky, not too thin, just perfect. I only wish Canon will improve the shutter lag of the Rebels, it's just damn too slow like a P&amp;S(well it's not that bad, but it would be nice if they can just make it a little faster!)

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Originally Posted by Brendan7

However, I don't understand your logic. You think an 85L is too big so you go for a 35L?

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Uh, yeah! I'm sorry, I was talking the 85mm f/1.2 L II. I am sure you have rented itso you are aware that it not onlyheavierbut larger. Not to mention the price tag. Plus I am quite happy for nowwith the 85mm that I have.

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Originally Posted by Brendan7

Were both lenses on your original wishlist, or are you buying the 35L instead?

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Yes, both are on my list. The 85mm L II has now been moved down a number of notches if I do get it at all. I think after I buy a couple others that I also have my eye on, I will be pretty well set. All depends on what Canon comes out with this year yet.

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Originally Posted by JJphoto

Denise


I used my 35mm on my XSi as a walk around indoor lens(sometimes out door too). at 1,4, it's not very sharp, but color and quality of bokeh are very impressive. I'v almost never used my 50mm 1.4 again since I got the 35mm1.4. I especially like the feeling of this combo holding in my hand, not too big not too small, not too heavy not too light, not too bulky, not too thin, just perfect. I only wish Canon will improve the shutter lag of the Rebels, it's just damn too slow like a P&amp;S(well it's not that bad, but it would be nice if they can just make it a little faster!)
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Thank you! Your reply has been very helpful! Not very sharp? That is the first I heard someone say that about this lens although many have raved about the color and bokeh. This size &amp; weight does sound like it would be very comfortable using.

Thanks!

Denise

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Not very sharp? That is the first I heard someone say that about this lens

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Denise, At f1.4,at least my copy does produce softer images, and I think Bryan has the similar statement in his review of this lens, you can check it out. I guess this is the one major part the second version can be improved.

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Originally Posted by JJphoto

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Not very sharp? That is the first I heard someone say that about this lens

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Denise, At f1.4,at least my copy does produce softer images, and I think Bryan has the similar statement in his review of this lens, you can check it out. I guess this is the one major part the second version can be improved

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Is there a lens that's sharp-sharp at f/1.4? Probably not. But my copy of the 35L that I rented comes quite close...

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Originally Posted by JJphoto

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Not very sharp? That is the first I heard someone say that about this lens

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Denise, At f1.4,at least my copy does produce softer images, and I think Bryan has the similar statement in his review of this lens, you can check it out. I guess this is the one major part the second version can be improved.
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That's right, I remember reading that now and at 2.0 it is very sharp. Overall though, this lens sure seems to be perfect. I think if Canon would have slapped a rebate on it this time around, it would be an incentive for me to purchase it now rather than later.

Denise

My "copy" of this lens is sharp at 1.4.


Remember that the DOF is very shallow at 1.4 and the slightest move you make between focus locking and taking the shot is going to cause an out of focus shot.

Here is a good testimonial on the sharpness of the 35. It is Roger's Take from LensRental on the 24L MKII:


Roger&rsquo;s take:I have to say I&rsquo;m impressed with the Mk II version. I liked the 24 f/1.4 well, not&ldquo;wow this is great&rdquo;, more like&ldquo;this is a nice lens when you need that aperture and focal length&rdquo;. The 24 Mark II is clearly better than the Mk I in my opinion. It is a bit sharper in the center and and markedly sharper on the edges wide open (especially if you shoot a full-frame camera). The corners still aren&rsquo;t the best on a full frame body, even stopped down to f/5.6 they are a bit soft, but I like it far better than the original. The contrast and color throughout the range is best described as &lsquo;vibrant&rsquo;. Overall its a clear improvement on the original. But I&rsquo;ll be honest: its still not quite as good as the 35 f/1.4. Close, but not quite.


I always go to the Roger's Take when I want an unbiased, straight forward layman's opinion of a lens. I still don't understand MTF charts and quite frankly don't care to.


Edit:


Adding Roger's Take on the 35L itself


Roger&rsquo;s Take:This is the wide angle member of the Holy Trinity of L prime lenses: the 35 f/1.4, 85 f/1.2, and 135 f/2.0. Its as close to a flawless lens as I&rsquo;ve shot with: sharp even in the edges, contrasty, with smooth out-of-focus highlights. I find myself trying to find a way to frame a shot at this focal length, just so I can use this lens. If you&rsquo;ve ever asked the question &ldquo;why would you shoot with a prime lens when zooms are so much more convenient&rdquo; this lens will demonstrate the answer for you.

A referb. at Adorama

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Originally Posted by clemmb

A referb. at Adorama

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...for $1330. J&amp;R has it brand new for $1 more...

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

For any of you that have used it, what is your opinion of it?

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I love it. Wide angle of view and thin DOF. I hope Canon will update it like they did the 24mm.



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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Is it worth the $?

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If you take advantage of it's strengths (wide apertures on full frame), it's definitely worth it. But if you only need something to shoot f/11, then the 35mm f/2 might be a better choice.

Well, a month later I finally decided to order the 35mm f/1.4 L and should have it Friday! [:D]
Thanks much to everyone that offered advice ...extremely appreciated!

Denise

Congrats, Denise. Post pics when you get a chance.

*EDIT* Oh wow, I should have read the thread before as well. haha. Congrats on getting it! *


Holy crap how have I not posted in here yet?! From personal experience, the 35L is hands down my favorite lens ever. I'd take it over a L-zoom, that's how much I like it. I highly recommend this lens over all primes; excluding the 85L, of course.


As with any wide-aperture lens, CA wide open can be a bit of a problem if you are shooting JPEG and can't correct it later on in post. Other than that I have no complaints what so ever about this lens. If it appears soft you either got bad focus or a bad copy, I got nothing but spot on, tack sharp photos wide open on a Rebel XT.


I don't actually own it yet, but I've rented it twice and plan on doing again next week(can't wait to see it on my 7D). Here's my favorite picture taken with it so far.


http://sleekupload.com/uploads/5/puppylove.jpg


Canon Rebel XT + Canon 35mm f/1.4L @ 1.4


(Please tell me if the color tint looks a bit strange for this photo, I'm using two monitors and on one there is a blue-ish tint to the photo while the other looks perfect)

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Originally Posted by Garrett-Grimsley

*EDIT* Oh wow, I should have read the thread before as well. haha. Congrats on getting it! *


Holy crap how have I not posted in here yet?!

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If you would have posted sooner, this would make the 2nd lens you personally talked me into! [:P] Actually, I had a tough time deciding between this and the 85L but I just could not talk myself into spending quite that much on one lens &amp; I am still very happy with 85 I have (first lens you convinced me to buy)!

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Originally Posted by Garrett-Grimsley

(Please tell me if the color tint looks a bit strange for this photo, I'm using two monitors and on one there is a blue-ish tint to the photo while the other looks perfect)

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The color looks fine on my screen and hopefully I get as good a copy as you did! We will see ...I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY! I should of paid the extra $ to get it sooner!

Thanks for the info, Garrett!

Denise

After an hour or so with the 50L I am really appreciating the 35L even more. It's a little early yet but I'm not enthused about the 50.

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Originally Posted by Keith B

After an hour or so with the 50L I am really appreciating the 35L even more. It's a little early yet but I'm not enthused about the 50.
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Congrats on your new lens, Keith! Definitely give it more time and don't compare it so much to the 35 L, it has it's own advantages in its own right!


I debated on the 35L, 50L and 85L for the longest time! You really helped with my decision on the getting the 35L and I thank you! I read NUMEROUS reviews and it always was highly regarded plus it kept a few extra $ in my pocket!Now I'm debating whetherwhich filter to get (UV, ND or Pol)ordered tonight...or get a step-up ring. Decisions, decisions!! [:P]

Denise

Just my 2 cents here Denise. I think it's a fabulous lens. I personally have never shot with it, but I've been watching and thumbing through Pete Souza's photos (Official White House Photographer) and the 3 lenses he uses the most are the 35mm 1.4, 135mm 2.0 and the 24-70mm 2.8. His 35mm shots are fantastic. And shot on a 5D. Take a look! They're on flickr.





Mike

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Originally Posted by mikehillman89

Just my 2 cents here Denise. I think it's a fabulous lens. I personally have never shot with it, but I've been watching and thumbing through Pete Souza's photos (Official White House Photographer) and the 3 lenses he uses the most are the 35mm 1.4, 135mm 2.0 and the 24-70mm 2.8. His 35mm shots are fantastic. And shot on a 5D. Take a look! They're on flickr.





Mike
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Thanks, Mike ...I defintely will! I always wondered what some of those photographers use!

Denise

No problem Denise!


Here's the link to the photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/ It's pretty easy to tell what's a 35 but you can still check on the more properties if you aren't entirely sure





Have fun!


Mike

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Congrats on your new lens, Keith! Definitely give it more time and don't compare it so much to the 35 L, it has it's own advantages in its own right!


I debated on the 35L, 50L and 85L for the longest time! You really helped with my decision on the getting the 35L and I thank you! I read NUMEROUS reviews and it always was highly regarded plus it kept a few extra $ in my pocket!Now I'm debating whetherwhich filter to get (UV, ND or Pol)ordered tonight...or get a step-up ring. Decisions, decisions!! [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

Denise

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Thanks Denise! I'm glad I could help you too.


I'm definitely going to give the 50L some more time. I was being a little critical of it after the technical runs I gave the lens and shame on me, I always preach real world use and characteristics.


I've realized lately that I in fact need the 50mm range and I thought it void my need for my 35 but after doing some street shooting tonight I realize that there is a huge difference in FOV between 35 and 50.

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Well, a month later I finally decided to order the 35mm f/1.4 L and should have it Friday!

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Congrats, Denise - enjoy the new lens!


--John

Wow Denise! Great stuff and I hope to see some great shots from that lens! Now I guess it's up to Full Frame to complete? [:D]

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Originally Posted by Keith B

I'm definitely going to give the 50L some more time. I was being a little critical of it after the technical runs I gave the lens and shame on me, I always preach real world use and characteristics.


I've realized lately that I in fact need the 50mm range and I thought it void my need for my 35 but after doing some street shooting tonight I realize that there is a huge difference in FOV between 35 and 50.

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It is really a big difference, I hated 50mm on crop, but I truly love it on full-frame! So you chose the 50mmL, I'm curious whether you'll like it or not after some real shooting. Anyway, also congrats to you and enjoy it!


Jan

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

It is really a big difference, I hated 50mm on crop, but I truly love it on full-frame! So you chose the 50mmL, I'm curious whether you'll like it or not after some real shooting. Anyway, also congrats to you and enjoy it!


Jan

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Yea, I've seen some glowing reviews of the 50L lately. So I decided to try it. Some reviewers said they thought some production changes had been made. After just a bit of shooting I'm thinking not. It seems fine but not mind blowing like the 85L. I'm getting about the same hit rate as the 85 which is very good but it isn't that combo of sharpness and softness at once. You can definitely see it is intentionally soft. It looks you shot something with a sharp lens then duplicated the layer in PS blurred it and over laid that at a lesser capacity on the sharp layer. If that makes any sense.


I'd prefer to shoot with the 85L but inside sometimes that lens is too long and the 35 is too short and I start to get exaggerated features. Shooting at 50mm has really made me appreciate the 35mm focal length though. If I could only have one it would definitely be 35 based just on focal length.


If I can shake my L fever I may end up sending this back and trying the Sig. I'm going to give the 50L a chance though.

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

Wow Denise! Great stuff and I hope to see some great shots from that lens! Now I guess it's up to Full Frame to complete? [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]
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Thanks, Jan but I think the high buck spending stops here for awhile. Just little purchases now like filters, etc. Even the little things can add up quick!

I'm at work now but I just received a text from home that the lens arrived.Cough, cough, sniffle, sniffle ...hmmm, maybe I will have to leave early today! [;)] Wonder if sick days cover "L" Fever!?

Denise

Shot this yesterday scouting a location. I really, really love this lens.


This shot will have an out of focus bikini clad woman on the left side in a week or so.


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.81/_5F00_MG_5F00_2710sm2.jpg[/img]


I do have one complaint about the lens though; I wasn't able to achieve the amount of flair I wanted.

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Originally Posted by Keith B

This shot will have an out of focus bikini clad woman on the left side in a week or so.


[ pic ]


I do have one complaint about the lens though; I wasn't able to achieve the amount of flair I wanted.

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That's so unfortunate. I suppose we'll have to make do with that much morevisible detailin the subject. Gosh darnit.

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

That's so unfortunate. I suppose we'll have to make do with that much morevisible detailin the subject. Gosh darnit.

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Well in all honesty I was planning on bracketing the f/stop I'll get a focused one too. Maybe something interesting for my flickr friends. [;)]

I LOVE THIS LENS!! This are my first two shots with it! I got home from work, went straight for the box, put the lens on and outside I ran even though it was about to storm bad! I know these aren't the greatest shots (still need to learn more about using it &amp; it was very dark &amp; gloomy out) but it was just funny how this was waiting for me right outside my door to get photographed! There are never monarchs in my backyard for more than a split second at a time! This baby was waiting for me :)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/...eaa63567b3.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/...7ac39ef3b2.jpg