When I compare the 35L vs 35 f/2 using Bryan's ISO charts I find:

35L center is sharper, 35L @ f/2 and non-L @ f/2.2 are roughly equivalent in the center, the non-L needs f/2.8 to have mid-frame equivalent to 35L @ f/2.

35L is awesome all the way around by f/2.8. The non-L mid-range is a stop behind and is very good by f/4. By f/5.6 the lenses are getting close to a push.

I guess I'm not seeing why the 35mm f/2 isn't looked at more favorably. Am I missing something?

I rented the 50mm f/1.4 reference above and enjoyed it. Some of my pics from it are below.


2011_10_02_3656 by dthrog00, on Flickr


2011_10_02_3623 by dthrog00, on Flickr


2011_10_01_3358 by dthrog00, on Flickr