I like this one; it’s a very nice lens for FX cameras. It’s different from its wider sibling, the 24 f1.4G in several ways. Like the 24, it’s quite sharp wide open in the center and stays sharp further towards the sides before fading at the edges and corners: very acceptable performance. It has less distortion to my evaluation, too, but then it probably should since it’s not quite as wide as the 24. Focusing seems quicker too, which is a good thing: at 35mm it’s a bit more important
than at 24mm.

One thing worth noting is it doesn’t get a lot sharper stopped down. At f4 or f5.6 it’s a little bit sharper, but you have to look carefully to tell. But that’s OK; it’s quite sharp wide open. The end result is a sharp lens you can shoot at f1.4 without worries, that gives a great 3D look with the subject jumping out from a blurred background, and that you can shoot nearly in the dark. It also has very little aberration – the edges are pretty free of coma and distortion. I can recommend it without reservation.

If I didn’t wax poetic, it’s for only two reasons: its a pricey lens and ought to deliver this kind of performance at this price. And for DX users, the little cheap 35 f1.8 is so good there’s not a lot of reason for you march over to this one. I’d consider it for FX cameras only. And that starts the whole FX/DX debate in my head: I could buy 35mm f1.8s for all the kids for what one of these costs.