35mm 1.4 for Weddings and Portrait Work

<p>Hi Everyone. I'm in the market for a new lens and unfortunately can't afford two (or more!) at the time and am wavering between a few.... The canon 35mm 1.4 has caught my eye but I'm wondering opinions on this lens as a good lens for weddings or portraiture. ( I know, it depends on style/needs etc...) <br>

What I'm wondering is if folks might be able to post examples that they've shot with this lens, and perhaps your likes/dislikes. I know I should probably rent it and try it out for a few shoots- but your input would be (and always is) appreciated.<br>

Thank you!<br /><br />Athena </p>

On a full framed camera the 35mm lens is not a good choice for portraits. The people can look slightly distorted. With a cropped camera system the 35mm lens is about right for portraits. I don't have a cropped camera therefore I don't use the lens for portraits and don't have any examples.

<p>On the contrary, I think that the 35mm range is ideal for wedding work providing that your style suits it. I think it requires a photographer with a more journalistic style that's comfortable working with fixed lenses (think Leica M with a 35mm Summilux). It also requires a photographer who is willing to think outside the traditional box of "proper" focal length uses. For many shooters, the 35mm focal length has a more natural perspective and it is seen as a "wide-normal" lens.</p>

<p>I find it to be really great for getting-ready shots in dimly lit small spaces, and it's also great for group portrait work and environmental detail images. I use my Nikon 24-70 for most of these types of shots and find that I'm zoomed in the 32mm-40mm range the majority of the time. If Nikon made an FX 35mm f/1.4 AF-S lens, I'd be all over it. This is one area where Canon rules supreme (i.e. wide fast primes). True, the wider range can distort perspective a bit, but if used correctly it can lend some terrific images that have a more contemporary and edgy look. My second shooter just got the 35mm f/1.4 for his Canon and uses it a lot now in place of the wide zoom.</p>

<p>I dont use the 35 (on a full frame) for portraits of indivuals but I will use it for 90% of the wedding, including full length of the couple etc. Sticking to a set focal length helps me think for composition.</p>

<p>Like Bob said 35mm on a full frame maybe too wide specially for portraits, but if you are more into candids and editorial work like Keith implied then it's a good lense.<br>

<br /> Now, on a 1.6x crop body that lens ROCKS because it is sharp even at the edges and you are quite close to the 50mm traditional field of view.</p>

<p>Love the 35/1.4 for portraits. Wide enough to get surroundings without too much distortion.<br>

<br /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2770198213_b53d96f8c1.jpg?v=0" alt="" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3094173819_11dfd10a91.jpg?v=0" alt="" /></p>

<p>When I shot Canon, I loved the 35. I use that focal lenth (or the equivelant) for a lot of the day.</p>

<p>What I like about a 35mm lens on a full-frame (approximately 24x36mm film or sensor) camera:</p>

<p>1. As long as you aren't right up on top of someone, the 35mm lens is the shortest lens that doesn't make people on the edges of the frame distort, making a 35mm nice for groups.</p>

<p>2. A 35mm lens yields modestly better DOF than the old event photographer favorite, the 50mm lens.</p>

<p>3. In a crowded room, you don't have to back up quite as much with a 35mm lens as a 50mm lens, so, for instance, you get fewer people walking in front of you when you're shooting.</p><div></div>

<p>Thanks everyone! Interesting the varying of opinions... I guess it really does come down to style needs. Beautiful images, Ian.</p>

<p>Thanks Athena. I should also add that the best wedding photographer I know uses the 35/1.4 and 85/1.2 for almost everything.</p>

<p>Its not usually whats in your hands, rather whats between your ears that makes nice photogrpahy. Sure the tools help smooth out the process but more importantly have fun, shoot with your style and shoot pictures.<br>

andre</p>