28mm 1.8 vs 35mm 2.0 & 70-200 f4 non IS

[PeezieCP4]

Hello fellow DPSers,

I was wondering if any of you have experience with the 28mm 1.8 and the 35mm f2. For those of you who have any experience at all what are your thoughts? also did any of you have the same problem choosing which one to buy. Is the 28mm worth the $200 difference for abit wider aperture and lens? I already have the 50mm 1.8 but just find it a little long.

I have read plenty of reviews on both lenses and also read other threads on particularly the same subject but some of them date back to 2006.

On another note the 70-200mm f4 lens, will a monopod help me enough to reduce camera shake. I asked about using a monopod cause i dont always carry a tripod around. I have a fairly shaky hand thus why i have the 24-105 IS lens. I wish i could buy the IS version or even the 2.8 but i cant.

I shoot with an XSi w/ battery grip if that matters at all.

[RichardTaylor]

I have a Canon 35 F2 and I am happy with it, although it doesn't see a lot of use.
I don't have the 28 F1.8
However you may want to have a look over at Fred Miranda for user comparisons - the 35 F2 is rated slightly higher.

I also have a Canon 70-200 F4 L - however it is always used hand held at high shutter speeds and near maximum aperture (unless panning)
However I do a lot of motor sport and some birding with a Canon 100-400 F4,5-F5.6 IS L almost always on a mono pod (because hand holding it for 8-9 hours or so gets tiring). As a gut feeling it would allow me to shoot at least one stop lower no matter what lens you were using it with.

[Raoul Isidro]

I have sold off my 35mm F2 as I never used it much since I have a 17-35mm F2.8 (the one that the 16-35mm F2.8 replaced), and for me the behaviour of the 35mm end is adequate. This lens also covers the 28mm end at F2.8 which, not as wide as F1.8, but good enough for my use.
I also have the 70-200mm F4 which I believe is one of the smallest of the white lenses in the Canon lineup. I couldn't have imagined how small and tiny it was when first attached to my 5D. I had to remove the bulky battery grip from the 5D to balance it right (for me).
The 70mm end of the lens is outstanding on the 5D, almost like a prime lens. It's like using a 50mm lens on an APS body like the 7D, the image projected on the viewfinder is almost the same. (70~80ish)

[BCampbell]

I really trust reviews at The Digital Picture:

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens Review
Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 Lens Review

Both lenses have a few drawbacks, so I would say it boils down to which focal length you need. The difference in maximum aperture isn't much of an issue. I've been looking at some lens solutions myself, to plan an upgrade path, and I'll probably go with the 28mm f/1.8, considering either lens will probably get replaced further down the line.

Don't forget the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, but it's not for full frame bodies.

[RolandAA]

While researching those same two lenses I found Sigma's 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM. It is in the price range of the Canons and had good reviews. I ended up finding a used copy for a great price. The lens is quite sharp and auto focuses well on my Xti. It seems well built and comes with a hood and a nice case. It is the only third party lens I've bought and so far I'm happy with it.