24mm vs 35mm Prime

[Gazer]

Hi. I was wondering whether any of you might be able to provide a little insight into a couple of lenses I'm debating over. Although different focal lengths (and please ignore this issue in any feedback), I'm sort of stumped on either Canon's EF24mm1.4II or the EF35mm1.4. They both seem to have very good reviews, and I suppose I could rent them, but I'd like people's opinions (who own these lenses) on their performance - specifically: corner sharpness, colour and contrast (at comparable aperatures). I'm also using the 17-40 zoom (this is used exclusively at narrow aperatures), but I want a low light lens in this range as well. The body is full frame.

Thanks for any feedback.

[OsmosisStudios]

Honestly, on full-frame there's a huge difference between those focal lengths. This won't depend on the lens stats (theyre both very very good) but on the focal length you need

[CaptainNH]

I've been contemplating the same purchase, 24MkII or 35. In the end, I think I'm going to go with the 24, mainly due to the fact that it's newer technology, faster focusing (based on my limited testing in the camera store), The 24 is weather sealed too, if that's important to you.

There's rumour that the 35mm is due an upgrade soon too. (Along with the 5d3, 24-70IS )

As Os mentioned, there's not that much difference between 24 and 35mm. You can always crop out of the 24mm shot, but there's no stretching the 35 any wider.

When it's wide-open, the 24mm is prone to vignetting on a FF, it's suggested up to 4-stop in the corners. This can produce some nice effects for wedding photogs, but if you're looking for nice clear landscapes, perhaps it's not as desirable.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

As Os mentioned, there's not that much difference between 24 and 35mm. You can always crop out of the 24mm shot, but there's no stretching the 35 any wider.

I, uh, actually said the opposite. There's a tremendous difference, at least in my eyes, between 24 and 35mm. Enough that I would consider getting both, if you really need that coverage. My decision wouldnt be based on what the lenses can produce in terms of sharpness etc, but in terms of the focal length I need.

[CaptainNH]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I, uh, actually said the opposite. There's a tremendous difference, at least in my eyes, between 24 and 35mm.

Oops, sorry Os, I really should wait until my first coffee of the day has taken effect before I log into dPS

For what I use my wide end for, which is indoor candids, bridal preps, etc., I've found that there's not much between the two focal lengths when using my 17-40.

[OsmosisStudios]

Ive only noticed a huge difference since trying both a 24 and 35mm primes on my film body. I always felt 50 was long for certain things, and I fiured a 35 might work: it wasnt enough. I had to go out and get a 24 for things to line up the way i wanted. i compared two similar images at the different focal lengths: it was painfully obvious.

[Gazer]

Thank you both. It appears the 24 and 35 produce similar results in terms of image quality. I'll be thinking long and hard about which focal length will suit me best.

Regards.

[AgBeard]

You have a zoom lens that covers both 24 & 35mm: so review the images to have at those focal lengths.

Firstly how shots at 24mm compared to the number at 35mm.

Secondly how many of the 24mm where taken within a confined space such as a Cityscape where you could not move further back & the capture would not have been possible with 35mm.

Thirdly there are the compositional considerations with regards the differing perspect & DoF - which lens most suits 'your style' i.e. matches your visualisation of the image.

[Gazer]

Thanks Ag. I'm aware of what these two focal lengths will allow me - the decision is which to purchase. You see, the real problem is that I want them both (I could make good use of each of these lenses), but can only afford one at this time. My original post was simply to get some input on the performance of these two lenses.

[OsmosisStudios]

Unfortunately these are both rather rare lenses to see in the field, mainly because of cost. Have you tried the guys at DPReview?