Along with the 50mm lens, a 35mm is considered a classic for those photographers aiming to capture images from the most natural perspective possible.

The good news is that Canon has now announced its EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens, the successor to its EF 35mm f/1.4L USM lens. As with other lenses in the L range, users can expect the same pro-grade level of rugged durability, along with advanced weather sealing and fluorine coatings, to protect the lens against adverse weather conditions.

Sharp shooter

That is not the lens’ standout feature – rather, the latest 35mm offering is apparently the first to sport Canon’s newly developed Blue Spectrum Refractive optics, which the company has assured will offer up terrific image quality. More specifically, the new technology features an organic optical material, which has apparently been engineered at a molecular level to help significantly reduce chromatic aberration and produce sharper images, via its ability to refract blue light. The BR Optic is integrated into a compound element in the lens. Together with Canon’s high performance lens coatings, including a Subwavelength Structure Coating, the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is expected to delivers results with improved contrast and minimal flare and ghosting.

Quick on the draw

Considering the 35mm focal length is one favoured by photojournalists, documentary photographers and wedding shooters, the fast f/1.4 aperture should be a welcome inclusion.

This of course serves two purposes; to create images with beautiful background blur and secondly to enable photographers to continue shooting as light levels start to fade. The  EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens features a ring-type ultrasonic motor to drive the extremely quick and near silent autofocus, while a full time manual focusing ring allows photographers to make fine, real-time adjustments, whether shooting stills or movies.

There is no word yet on pricing or local availability, but we will update this story as soon as that released.