The Search For The Perfect Fast 35mm Camera Lens

It’s taken me a few years, but I’ve really come to realize that 35mm is my preferred focal length.  Back when I was shooting Canon DSLRs, I shot a lot with an F4 24-105.  Once I transitioned to RF, I wanted to start shooting with faster glass, so I shot with the 24-70 F2.8 – that lens rarely came off my camera.  In more recent years, I’ve stated playing with primes.  I got the Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art back when I had the 5D Mark IV, and I’ve had a couple 100mm macro primes for a long time.  Last year I picked up what may well be the sharpest lens in the Canon catalog – the RF 85mm F 1.2.  Though I confess I don’t use it as often as I’d like.  Earlier this year I picked up the Voigtlander 50mm F 1 for Canon RF and wow…what a lens.  I confess that I’m not a huge 50mm guy, but I love using this lens.  It was the Voigtlander that made me realize how much I really want…no, need a bettter fast 35mm prime.  Like, I want the BEST 35mm ever created.  WELL…OK…the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH is probably the king of 35mm lenses.  But we’re talking $3000.00 to $5000.00 for a manual focus lens. But there are several options not far below the Leica lens for under $1k in price.  Here are the contenders currently on my radar:

Canon EF 35mm F1.4 II:  Some consider this lens the sharpest 35mm prime Canon has manufactured to date.  I’ll soon be taking this one on a test drive as I have one coming for a weeklong loan from Canon Professional Services (membership has it’s privileges).  These lenses are still surprisingly expensive so it will take between $800 and $1000.00 to get one.  At $800 it makes sense but may take some time/work.  

Zeiss 35mm F1.4 Distagon T* (Canon EF Mount):  The reviews are compelling (as in preferred to the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 some regards) and I’ve always wanted to sample a legendary Zeiss lens.  It will be a bit of a chunk with the EOS adapter, but I’m not too concerned since I have the FD 35mm F2 which is small and light.  The price on this lens varies by condition but can currently be acquired for between $700-$1000.  I’ve purchased what is advertised as an “NM” example with box and original accessories in order to compare it to some other options on this list.  I believe I can sell it at no cost should I decide I don’t like it.

Voigtlander Nokton 35mm F 1.2 III VM  (Leica M Mount):  I came REALLY close to pulling the trigger on this lens due to my love of my Voigtlander 50mm F1.0.  It’s smaller and lighter than the above two choices but disappointingly just not as good optically.  I can get one brand new for about $800.00.  But for my needs, I just don’t see my picking it over the Zeiss or Canon.  If Voigtlander makes an updated 35mm F1.2 lens for the RF mount, I may have to revisit.  

Canon RF 35mm F1.4 VCM:  I was SURE I would buy this lens back when it was rumored to be a 35mm F1.2.  I was expecting a lens that would cost $2500 – $3000 and be the best 35mm lens ever devised by man.  Comparable to the RF 85mm F1.2 I have or the RF 50mm F1.2 I’ve played with.  What we got was a compromised hybrid video lens.  Reviews are limited at this time, but less than positive in areas most important to me.  From what I’ve seen, it relies heavily on digital correction (not great in low light) and rattles quite noisy when powered off.  Seems great for hybrid video shooters, but for my needs I’ll be better off with a different option for my purely photography driven needs.  Particularly for the $1500.00 asking price.  

Canon RF 28-70 F2:  I have such mixed feelings about this lens.  Everyone talks about how amazing it is – like having 4 primes (28, 35, 50, and 70) in one lens.  This focal range would definitely cover most of my needs that usually requires me to bring 2 cameras/lenses.  But the lens is one of the biggest/heaviest in Canon’s catalog.  I’ve already proven to myself that F2 is wide enough to produce fantastic background blur and bokeh…and I rarely shoot wider than F2.  I’ve also got this one coming to me for a week long review from Canon Professional Services, but between the size/weight of the lens, I’m just not convinced I need this lens.  I’m hoping the hands-on test will change my mind.  Maybe it will make me think twice about a 35mm prime?

Realistically, I think it will come down to the Canon 35mm EF F1.4 II vs the Zeiss 35mm F1.4 Distagon.  It’s hard for me to imaging reaching for the Canon 28-70 over my great primes in this range.  For professional purposes, I get it – wedding photography for example.  But for my personal projects, I really feel it will come down to Canon vs. Zeiss.  Lens reviews coming soon.