joseph_dickerson Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 Hi All, Has anyone done any comparisons of the FDn 35mm f/2 against the current crop of Chinese 35mm manual lenses (Neewer, Meike, 7 Artisans et al)? I'd be using the lens on and EOS M5/M3. I think I've been bitten by the vintage/manual focus bug. :( JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph_dickerson Posted July 5, 2019 Author Share Posted July 5, 2019 To further confuse the issue, anyone compared the EF 35mm f/2 to the FDn 35mm f/2? I know...too much time on my hands! ;) JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 anyone compared the EF 35mm f/2 to the FDn 35mm f/2 AS far as I know the only difference is the mount and perhaps the coatings. FWIW, the EF 35mm f/2 original is still one of my favorite shooters on a 24x36mm image. EF 35mm f/2 on EOS 3, Ektar 100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joseph_dickerson Posted July 6, 2019 Author Share Posted July 6, 2019 Nice image...thanks for your input. I had the FD 35mm f/2 when I shot film and loved it. If the optical design is the same I'm sure I'd be happy. I just feel the EF 35mm f/2 IS is too big, especially on my M-5/3. JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orsetto Posted July 6, 2019 Share Posted July 6, 2019 (edited) All the Canon 35/2 lenses, going back four decades, are pretty good to excellent. A few vintage versions have been talked up WAY too much on various blogs and forums, to the point they have somewhat exaggerated followings. The truth is, the first-version (non-VR) EF will ace most of them simply by being AF. All things being equal, a sharply focused image from a "sterile modern" lens will be more appealing than an off-focus image from a manual focus lens with "character". So I'd recommend trying a good-condition used copy of JDMvW's first-version EF 35/2. Compared to the current, overpriced and oversized EF-VR, the original EF is compact and light. Performance of a good copy is similar to the late FDn, with the added bonus of AF. If you find it too boring, resell it and look for something weirder like pre-FDn cult Canon 35/2 SC or SSC with concave front element and Thorium glass. These are considered the "best ever" Canon 35/2, but tend to yellow from the aging Thorium (and are larger than the FDn). Edited July 6, 2019 by orsetto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryreid Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 FWIW the 35/2 IS as the same length and the FDn and although the new-fangled EF lens is heavier it's similar to the Breechlock versions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conrad_hoffman Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 Don't know anything about those particular lenses, but the 35mm is one of my favorites on full frame/film, and quite useful as a "normal" on a DX camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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