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The EF 35 2.0 IS USM is the long awaited redesign of the 1990 EF 35 2.0. I loved the sharpness and portability of the original but the new design one-ups it in nearly every way: durability, AF speed and accuracy, edge-to-edge sharpness, and manual focus precision. And that fast F2.0 aperture makes for bright viewfinders, a helpful feature when shooting dim interiors or twilight landscapes.

Hawaii Theatre | EOS Rebel SL1, EF 35 2.0 IS USM

This review consists of my opinions and observations as a hobbyist. No scientific measurements, MFT charts or pixel peeking comparisons will be found here.

Compatibility

The EF 35 2.0 IS USM lens works on all Canon EOS DSLR cameras, both full frame and APS-C (1.6X), such as the EOS 5 MK IV and Rebel SL3. It will also work on EOS R and M series mirrorless cameras with a mount adapter. It does not fit non-Canon cameras such as Pentax, Nikon, Fuji, etc.

Construction

It's substantially larger and heavier than the previous model—335g vs 210g—but still an easy carry. Barrel plastics and switches feel solid and sturdy. Finish work is excellent and the textured matte finish is attractive and fingerprint resistant. The 67 mm filter threads are a less common size but shared with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM. It has a basic DOF scale for hyperfocal shooters but markings only at F11 and 22.

EF 35 2.0 IS USM | Sharp, steady and sturdy (image courtesy Canon)

Image Quality

Wide open the 35 2.0 IS delivers sharp images with smooth bokeh and round defocused highlights. There is virtually no flare or ghosting in images of sunsets or streetlights. Distortion is well corrected, making it a great optic for architecture or artwork. No "purple fringing" in high contrast situations such as tree branches against a bright sky. The only negative I could find is it exhibits a tiny amount of light falloff wide open. Stop down a bit and light falloff disappears.

Focus

The ring-type USM yields blazing fast and silent AF on my EOS R, R7, 6D MK II, 5D MKII and 90D. AF accurately locks in any light I can see in. It is internally focusing and the front element doesn't rotate during AF operation, making polarizing filter use a breeze.

Although not a macro lens, the .24X magnification at closest focus ( 0.24m) is good enough for most art work, small products and medium sized flowers.

Manual Focus

Video buffs will dig its manual focus: silky and precise, no slop or play and long throw for smooth transitions. Plus, no need to flip a switch to engage manual focus: simply grab the well ribbed MF ring and turn.

Video Focus

USM is not suitable for movie servo focus modes on older EOS like the 70D and SL1: too fast with abrupt (jerky) transitions. So manual focus or AF pre-focus are the best choices for video use. However, movie servo on the 80D and later models focus surprising smooth with this lens. Although focus is silent to human ears, build-in camera mics record focusing noises, so use outboard audio or an external mic with this lens.

Washington Place | Honolulu | EOS 6D, EF 35 2.0 IS USM | Hand held low light images are possible with F2.0 and 4 stops of image stabilization.

Image Stabilization

The inclusion of image stabilization (IS) is a welcome feature, providing 4 stops of slower hand holdable shutter speeds. Canon's claim of 4-stops didn't work for me—3 stops is more practical—but a non-coffee drinker might squeeze out that 4th stop. Nevertheless, with F2.0 and IS and I can hand hold my camera and nail sharp images of evening street scenes, dim bars and stages.

Downtown Honolulu Police Station | EOS 5D MK II, EF 35 2.0 IS USM

Lens Hood

A hood also helps protect the front element from dust, fingerprints, doggie noses, rain and flare. Canon knows shooters are suckers for OEM accessories and puts the screws to you for the EW-72 hood with a $50 price tag.

EW-72 | Dedicated hood for the EF 35 2.0 IS USM (image courtesy Canon)

What does 50 greenbacks buy you? A well made plastic hood with matte paint matched to the lens finish, rayon flocking to nix reflections, an easy squeeze tab release, a Canon logo and "Made in Japan" inscription. The lightly textured matte finish, unlike most Canon hood finishes, is fingerprint resistant!

This bayonet design is different from most other bayonet hoods. Rather than a tight groove, this hood fits loosely while being twisted on. It only locks tight at the optimal position (cutouts horizontal). To remove the hood, press the release tab while twisting.

Less expensive knockoff EW-72 hoods are available from JJC and Rainbow Imaging.

The Rose | EOS 5D MK II, EF 35 2.0 IS USM and 430EX II | F2.0, 1/8 sec. at ISO 1250 and 430EX II Speedlite bounced off wall. The 1/8 sec. shutter speed was silly slow but the IS mechanism helped keep this image sharp.

Last Blurb

I find the semi-wide perspective—63 degrees—of the 35mm lens easy to use on my full-frame 6D MK II and ideal for showing a subject in its environment. If you shoot APS-C, e.g., EOS Rebel, 80D, 90D, etc., this lens has coverage similar to a normal lens and is not semi-wide. This lens is nimble, small and a joy to operate. Canon got just about everything right with this redesign.

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November 1, 2022 Update

I've been using the EF 35 2.0 IS USM on an EOSR and R7 and it works flawlessly (with bulky adapter of course). I also own the RF 35 1.8 Macro IS STM and, while the RF offering is in the same ball park optically as the EF 35 2.0 IS USM, AF speed and, especially AI servo, is noticeably inferior to the EF design.

Finally, please help support this website by purchasing this lens at Amazon.

Specifications

Focal Length: 35mm

Aperture: F2.0 to 22

Lens Construction: 10 elements in 8 groups with 1 GMo aspherical lens element

Min. Focusing Distance: 9.45” / 0.24m

Maximum Magnification: .24X

Angle of View (Diagonal): 63°

No. of Diaphragm Blades: 8

Diameter & Length: 3.1 x 2.5 inches / 77.9 x 62.6mm

Weight:11.8oz / 335g

Included Accessories: lens caps

Cost: $599

Downtown Honolulu Police Station | EOS Rebel SL1, EF 35 2.0 IS USM

More Images taken with the EF 35 2.0 IS USM (click to enlarge)

10/03/2013 | Revised 11/01/2023