Following on from my testing of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM, I managed to get my hands on a lens I have been hoping to shoot with for some time: the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM.
It’s another wide-angle lens but this time the maximum aperture is f/1.4. That means it allows a huge amount of light into the camera, making it perfect for low-light photography.
Naturally, I was keen to use it for astrophotography and night photography because that large aperture means you don’t have to use very long exposures or high sensitivity (ISO) settings.
Key Specifications
- Full frame compatible
- Dust and moisture resistant
- Ultrasonic motor
- Filter diameter: 72mm
- Dimensions: 80.4 x 105.5mm
- Weight: 760g
Astrophotography with the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II USM
I was lucky that just as the lens arrived the weather became perfect for astrophotography. A warm breeze and clear skies, what’s not to like? I couldn’t resist taking it out for a spin straight away!
As I’ve mentioned before, I normally use the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM for my night photography. It’s a great lens, as is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM, but shooting at f/1.4 with the 35mm enabled me to use shutter speeds even shorter than 10 seconds.
Normally using such as wide aperture would mean very restricted depth of field, but its not a problem with a short focal length and distant subject. And the results are superb, really sharp.
- Astrophotography with the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM
Conclusion
I had the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II USM for two weeks and I found it incredible! I mainly used it for astrophotography, but it’s also a great choice for environmental portraits and street photography. It captures a superb level of detail and I love how sharp my images are from it.
It’s been an expensive couple of weeks because the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II USM is now next on my shopping list.
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