The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens is a must-have in your camera bag! When photographing portraits, a Canon 85mm f/1.4 is usually on my camera. Still, I will add the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens to get more of the scene to add some different looks to a client’s gallery. When I photograph in-home newborn sessions, the Canon 35mm f/1.4 is on my camera the whole session. Check out my Canon 35mm f/1.4 review below!
Canon 35mm f/1.4 Review From a Newborn Photographer
Aperture
I love using a wide-open aperture when using the Canon 35mm f/1.4! I am usually at a 1.8 or 2.0. This is very helpful when photographing in-home newborn sessions to allow more light in without pulling my flash out. I also like to shoot wide open for close-up candid family shots or seniors. You will get a fantastic bokeh when you are close to your subject. When shooting a little further away from your subject, it will be sharper all around, giving different looks to your gallery. The autofocus for this lens is so quick, and I can keep up with moving children to capture all those in-between moments!
Glass
The Canon 35mm f/1.4 is a prime lens which is a fixed focal length. Primes are the only types of lenses I shoot with. It’s a fixed focal length designed with less glass than a zoom lens, giving you a sharper image. You can dive more into the difference between prime lenses and zoom lenses.
Build
The Canon 35mm f/1.4 is a beast of a lens! It can get a little heavy on my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, mostly when I do in-home newborn sessions that can last a few hours. I have used this lens for several years in the heat, the freezing cold, to sandy beaches and rain. There is practically no wear and tear, and it still looks new. It is a more expensive lens but undoubtedly worth every penny.
Focal Length
The Canon 35mm f/1.4 allows more of the scenery when shooting and is my go-to when I need more room in a tight space for in-home newborn sessions. I also use it for newborn studio sessions to stay close to the baby while shooting. Other times I will use my Canon 35mm f/1.4 for large groups of people so I can fit everyone in the frame without being too far away or for senior portraits to give variety to their gallery.
Canon 35mm f/1.4 Review
In conclusion, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens, my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, and my Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 IS USM are the three essential items in my business. The Canon 35mm f/1.4 is a must for tight spaces, large groups, newborns, low light, and capturing those beautiful scenery shots. This lens is around $1,999 brand new. This is definitely an investment for your business, but I can’t imagine not owning this lens! I get so much use out of it and have no regrets! Canon lenses hold their value, and you can rest easy knowing the resale value will be high.
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