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Canon 35mm f/1.4 L II USM EF-Mount Lens {72}
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$998.00
Canon's 35mm f/1.4L II: the BR Optics benchmark prime
The 14-element, 11-group optical design is the story here. Canon's BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) optics layer, an organic material sandwiched between two glass elements, addresses longitudinal chromatic aberration at f/1.4 in a way that earlier 35mm primes simply could not. The result is axial CA control that independent testing has called class-leading, with almost no barrel distortion and lateral CA that's minimal even before any post-processing correction. Two aspherical elements and one Super UD element round out an optical formula that holds high sharpness well into the corners wide open.
The 9-blade circular diaphragm produces 18-ray sunstars on point light sources, a detail that architecture and environmental portrait photographers will notice immediately. Ring-type USM autofocus runs fast and silent with full-time manual override, and internal focusing means the front element stays fixed, relevant for anyone using a polarizer on the 72mm filter thread. Weather and dust sealing is built in throughout.
At 760 g and 105.5 mm long, this is a substantial lens, closer in size to a 24-70mm f/2.8 than a typical 35mm prime. It sits on larger full-frame bodies with good balance, and photojournalists and documentary shooters who already carry that kind of kit will find the tradeoff straightforward. The fluorine coating on both external elements keeps things clean in the field. For Canon EF shooters who need a 35mm that performs at f/1.4 without chromatic aberration compromises, this is the established answer.
Key Features
- 14 elements, 11 groups with BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) optics for axial CA control
- 9-blade circular aperture with 18-ray sunstar effect
- Ring-type USM autofocus with full-time manual focus override
- Internal focusing keeps 72mm filter thread fixed during autofocus
- f/1.4 to f/22 aperture range on Canon EF full-frame mount
- Weather and dust sealed construction with fluorine coatings
- Class-leading distortion control with minimal barrel distortion and lateral CA
- 760g, 105.5mm length with robust mechanical design
FAQ
- What's BR Optics and why does it matter at f/1.4?
- BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive) Optics is an organic material layer sandwiched between glass elements that refracts blue light differently, correcting longitudinal chromatic aberration that plagues fast 35mm primes. At f/1.4, independent testing showed this lens moved from mid-pack CA performance to class-leading, with minimal purple and green fringing that required no post-processing correction.
- How does this compare to the original 35mm f/1.4L from 1998?
- Canon added a UD element and a second aspherical surface, increased the element count from 11 to 14, and redesigned the mechanical internals for weather sealing and overbuilt durability. Optical performance gaps are widest in corner sharpness and CA control wide open, though distortion control also improved substantially.
- Will the 9-blade aperture affect bokeh quality?
- The circular 9-blade design smooths out bokeh compared to the 8-blade original. The tradeoff is 18-point sunstars on specular highlights instead of 8, which photographers shooting architecture or bright point sources will notice immediately.
- At 760g, is this too heavy for a 35mm prime?
- It's closer to a 24-70mm f/2.8 in size and weight than a typical 35mm. Photojournalists and documentary shooters already carrying fast zooms will find the balance straightforward. APS-C users will feel the weight more noticeably.
- Does internal focusing matter if I'm using a polarizer?
- Yes. The front element stays fixed during focus, so your polarizer angle won't shift as you autofocus. That's essential for consistent exposure control.
- Can I use this on APS-C Canon bodies?
- It's designed for full-frame but works on APS-C Canon EOS DSLRs with EF mounts. Effective focal length becomes 56mm, narrowing the field of view to something closer to a portrait lens.
- Does this lens have image stabilization?
- No. Canon covers that separately with the 35mm f/2 IS USM. Skipping IS kept bulk and complexity down and let Canon concentrate on optical performance at f/1.4.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Resolution | None |
| Mount | Canon EF |
| AF System | Yes |
| Stabilization | No |
| Weight | 760 g (1.67 lb) |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Focus Distance | 11.02" (28 cm) |
| Aperture Min | f/22 |
| Filter Size | 72 mm |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Angle Of View | 63 degrees |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21× |
| Number Of Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Special Elements Coatings | BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics), 2 Aspherical, 1 Super UD element, Fluorine coating |
| Motor Type | Ring-type Ultrasonic (USM) |
| Full Time Manual Focus | Yes |
| Focus Method | Internal |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Distance Scale | Yes |
| Dof Scale | Yes |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Hood Supplied | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Color | Black |
| Length | 4.15" (105.5 mm) |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.17" (80.4 mm) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Canon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 35mm |
| Min Focal Length | 35mm |
