The folks at LensRentals posted a brief review of the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II, a new Canon prime featuring Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics. They write:

The greatest (and only) shortfall I found with the new Canon 35mm f/1.4L II came in the price of the lens. At $1,799 new, the Canon 35mm f/1.4 II is a staggering $300 more than its now dated predecessor, and double the price of the Sigma Art series lens – a strong competitor to the Canon 35L II. So is it worth the massive price difference?  If you’re a loyalist to Canon, then yes – the Mark II version is a considerable upgrade to the original, and well worth the price difference between the two. However, if you’re willing to venture over to Sigma, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art series lens is still the best buy for the money. At $799 [editors note: it’s actually $899] retail price, the Sigma 35mm Art series will put you right in between the two Canon lenses, and at a considerably lower price than both of them. Read the review…

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

DxOMark posted laboratory results for the new Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II lens. The EF 35mm f/1.4 II scores better (score 33) than the Zeiss Distagon T 35mm f/1.4 (score 31), and one point less than the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens (score 34). Now take in account that the Canon costs $1,799, the Zeiss is over $1,500, and the Sigma comes at $899. While a lab measure never tells the entire story, I have to say: Kudos Sigma!

From the conclusion:

With the introduction of high-resolution bodies such as the Canon EOS 5Ds and 5DsR, with their ability to highlight lens flaws, it comes as little surprise to see Canon roll out new versions of some of the older models in their line-up. The original 35mm f/1.4 wasn’t a bad performer, but it was beginning to show its age. The new model greatly surpasses the original in several key areas. It is generally sharper, but it’s the improvement in geometry and uniformity that really impresses. Not only does it have low field curvature and astigmatism, but Canon has also dramatically lowered lateral chromatic aberration, with the overall effect of greatly improving imaging performance in the outer field Read the review at DxOMark.

The EF 35mm f/1.4 II features Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics, an optical technology that allows for very high levels of chromatic aberration correction, and it is in stock at all major resellers at $1,799: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon.

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 II key features:

• EF Mount L-Series Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/1.4-22
• Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics
• Two Aspherical Elements, One UD Element
• Subwavelength and Fluorine Coatings
• Ultrasonic Autofocus Motor
• Full-Time Manual Focus Override
• Weather-Sealed Design
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Canon EF 35mm f/1,4 II overview after the break.