The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens is a must have in your camera bag! When I am shooting portraits, a Canon 85mm f/1.4 is usually on my camera, but to add some different looks to a clients gallery I will add the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens to get more of the scene. When I am shooting in home newborn sessions the Canon 35mm f/1.4 is on my camera the whole session.
Aperture
When using the Canon 35mm f/1.4, I love using a wide open aperture! I am usually at a 1.8 or 2.0. This is very helpful when shooting in home newborn sessions to allow more light in without having to pull my flash out. I also like to shoot wide open for close up candid family shots or seniors. When you are close to your subject, you will get amazing blur. When shooting a little further away from your subject, it will be sharper all around, giving different looks for your gallery. The autofocus for this lens is so quick and I am able to 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, which results in 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 am doing in home newborn sessions that can last a couple of hours. I have used this lens for several years now in the heat, the freezing cold, to sandy beaches and rain. There is practically no wear and tear and still looks new. It is a more expensive lens but certainly worth every penny.
Focal Length
The Canon 35mm f/1.4 not only allows more of the scenery when shooting, but is my go to when I need more room in a tight space for in home newborn sessions. I also use it for studio newborn sessions so I can stay close to the baby while shooting. Other times I will use my Canon 35mm f/1.4 are for large groups of people so I can fit everyone in frame without being too far away, or for senior portraits to give variety to their gallery.
In conclusion, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens along with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and my Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 IS USM are the three key 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 an investment for sure for your business, but I can’t imagine not owning this lens! I get so much use out it and have no regrets! Canon lenses hold their value and you can rest easy knowing the resale value will be high.
Before you go, check out more of my blogs on camera gear and photo sessions!
- https://jpixphoto.com/canon-85mm-f-1-4-review/
- https://jpixphoto.com/canon-eos-5d-mark-iv-camera-review/
- https://jpixphoto.com/senior-portraits-parma-ohio-westcreek-reservation/
- https://jpixphoto.com/cake-smash-photographer/
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