Canon EF 35mm f/2
Announced October 1, 1990
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 is a compact, sharp, and lightweight wide-angle prime that provides consistent performance for street and travel photography. While it is highly regarded for its image quality and stabilization, the lens is hampered by noticeable corner vignetting at wide apertures and a lack of included accessories like a hood.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent sharpness and contrast
- Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
- Compact and lightweight build
- Effective image stabilization
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Strong vignetting at wide apertures
- Lack of included lens hood or case
- Noisy or slow autofocus
- Absence of full-time manual focus
- Poor corner sharpness
- Launch price $330 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 35mm f/2
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Close focus 25 cm
- Filter thread 52mm
- Weight & size 210g (7.4 oz) · 67.31 x 42.42 mm (2.65 x 1.67 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 may not be the most sexy lens around but its performance is generally very solid.
-
For wedding, travel, and street photography, this compact and stabilized optic would make an excellent go-to lens.
-
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 Lens is a nice lens - Sharpness, size, weight and price are its best features.
-
This is a great lens that strikes a great optical balance.
-
If you're on a budget and you want a nice little 35 lens for your kit bag, then this might be a very good choice for you.
-
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM lens offers excellent sharpness and good build quality.
-
If you can afford the rather hefty price-tag and don't mind the non-L billing or sharpness fall-off at the edges of the frame, we can certainly recommend the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM as a light and portable wide-angle prime lens for Canon DSLR owners.
-
Canon’s superb EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a wide prime for all sorts of situations, finding a particular niche in street photography.
-
Canon photographers in need of a wide-angle prime lens should take a look at the EF 35mm f/2 IS USM—it's sharp, compact, and optically stabilized.
-
If you have the money and you need the stabilization, there's nothing wrong with this lens. It's great all around at what it does.
-
[T]he EF 35mm may not be an outstanding performer but it is very consistent and is certainly workable at its maximum aperture.
-
Otherwise, there's a reason this superb 35/2 sells used today for almost as much as it sells for new: because it's a great lens and is always in demand.
-
So it's a nice small option, and for some people, the size itself is reason enough to get this over the 35 f/1.4 from Sigma.
-
On full frame as general purpose lens can be used almost for everything.
-
I have been very happy with the images taken with the 35mm f/2 lens, and love the focal length on a crop body.
