Not long after I blogged about one of my favorite lenses, the Canon 50mm f1.4, I actually stopped using it on a regular basis. It’s not that I didn’t like it anymore; it’s just that I replaced it with the Canon 85mm. f1.2L lens, a most beautiful piece of glass. I still contend that the 50mm f1.4 is a great lens for the price, which is why Jay still uses it at every wedding. For me, though, I like the extra reach of the 85mm plus the extra sharpness at f1.2.
But I’m digressing. Neither of those lenses are my new favorite. My new favorite lens is the Canon 35mm f1.4L lens. The story behind how I came to love this lens involves some minor tragedy. Well, an accident, at least.
I was at a wedding last summer snapping photos of folks dancing and enjoying the party when my Canon 24-70 f2.8L lens accidentally slipped off my camera (by me inadvertently pressing the release button and turning the zoom at the same time!) and came crashing to the floor. Amazingly, no glass was broken, but the focus was jammed and the lens was unusable. I quickly reached for my backup, the 17-40mm f4L lens, and went back out to the dance floor…
…And rediscovered my love for the wide, wide, angle. Soon after, I sold my 24-70 (fixed it first, though!) and my 17-40 and bought the Canon 16-35 2.8L lens to get those extra f-stops, vital for dim churches and reception venues. My 16-35mm lens and I became fast friends, and we remain so today.
Yet, I often found myself longing for more f-stops, since I was spoiled with the 85′s 1.2. At the same time, I realized I was using the 35mm length more and more often on the 16-35mm. So, after much thought and longing, I caved and purchased the Canon 35mm f1.4 lens. I absolutely LOVE this lens. It’s perfect for telling the story of the day, and I love it’s creamy bokeh contrasted with sharp focus. Now, my two lenses I use for most parts of the wedding day are the 85mm 1.2L and the 35mm 1.4L. Perfection.
by mary
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