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Quick answer
A small 1990 wide-normal prime with a basic focus motor and 52mm threads. It was replaced by the IS USM version in 2012.
Pros
- Light and small
- f/2 aperture
- Close focus of 0.25m
- 52mm filters
Cons
- No stabilization
- Loud autofocus
- Corner softness wide open
Verdict
A compact 35mm. The IS version adds stabilization and USM focus.
About this lens
This 35mm f/2 fast wide-angle prime lens from Canon fits Canon EF mount cameras. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Canon EF 35mm f/2 specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 35mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1990
- Optical construction
- 7 elements in 5 groups
- Aperture blades
- 5
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.25 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.23x
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 210 g
- Length
- 42.5 mm
- Diameter
- 67.4 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 35mm f/2?
- Street photography
- Everyday carry
- Documentary work
Its fast maximum aperture helps in dim light and gives good subject separation.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 35mm | 54.4° | 63.4° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 56mm | 35.6° | 42.2° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 35mm f/2 full frame?
Yes, it covers full-frame sensors. On APS-C it acts like a 56mm lens.
What is the difference between the EF 35mm f/2 and f/2 IS USM?
The IS USM adds stabilization and a USM motor. The older lens is simpler.
Does it have full-time manual focus?
No, you must switch the lens to MF. Its focus motor is not the ring USM type.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
