Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II vs Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Review

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II is a highly regarded lens, at a price. Can the much less expensive Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD hold up to it?

Anita Sadowska compares the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II ($1,799) to the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD ($899). How does the Tamron hold up to the Canon? See for yourself.

More EF 35mm f/1.4L II reviews are listed here.

EF 35mm f/1.4L II at a glance:

• EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/22
• Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics Element
• Two Aspherical Elements, One UD Element
• Subwavelength Coating
• Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
• Full-Time Manual Focus Override
• Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

EF 35mm f/1.4L II:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD at a glance:

• EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
• Four Low Dispersion Elements
• Three Aspherical Elements
• BBAR-G2 and Fluorine Coatings
• USD AF Motor and Dynamic Rolling Cam
• Electromagnetic Diaphragm
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Compatible with TAP-in Console

Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Description:

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.