Canon 35mm F/1.4 Overview

The EF35mm f/1.4L II USM features Canon’s newly-developed BR (Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics) lens technology. The BR lens consists of the BR Optics, an organic optical material with anomalous dispersion that greatly refracts blue light, a concave lens and a convex lens. The trio works together to allow all visible light wavelengths to be focused on a single point, thus achieving effective sharp image production with reduced chromatic aberration and high rendering performance, even at the largest aperture.

Utilizing 2 aspherical lens elements, in combination with 1 UD lens element, the lens ensures that images are extremely clear and sharp from center to the peripherals. The SWC coating reduces ghosting and flare that occur in backlight situations. Both the closest focusing distance and maximum magnification are improved from previous model, 0.28m and 0.21x respectively, allowing you to get up close to your subject for close-up shots. The 9-blade circular aperture makes it easy to obtain a beautifully round bokeh effect.

Characterized by its unique and advanced optical composition, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is a wide-angle L-series prime featuring a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture to suit working in difficult lighting conditions. Its optical design incorporates a Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics element; a specially developed element that helps to nearly eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing for notable clarity and color accuracy. In addition to this, an ultra-low dispersion element and two aspherical elements are also featured to further control various aberrations and distortion for great sharpness and resolution. Individual elements also feature a Sub Wavelength Coating to suppress flare and ghosting for high contrast and color fidelity when working in harsh and backlit conditions.

Besides the optical attributes, this lens sports a ring-type USM for quick and quiet autofocus performance and full-time manual focus override. Its durable physical construction is dust- and moisture-sealed, and a fluorine coating has been added to the exposed elements to guard against fingerprints and smudging.