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amazon Len Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM reviews
The Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM is a lens intended for users who need basic macro photography, featuring LED Ring light and excellent image quality in the price range.
True to its name, the 35mm focal length lens, the F2.8 aperture, is for DSLR Crop cameras, so the conversion will fall into the 50mm focal length range on the Full frame. Other specifications include a minimum focusing distance of 13cm, a 49mm lens, a 7x zoom lens and macro magnification of 1: 1. Canon is equipped with a lot of new technology on the lens, the first is the Hybrid IS, which the company explains will help stabilize image up / down, left / right in the movements when holding the machine. Or when the lighter machine, avoid shaking hands when focus is very close to the subject.
Next is the LED Ring: an array of LEDs consisting of two symmetrical bows that provide a stable light source, a prerequisite for macro photography. Accordingly, users can customize 2 different levels of brightness and choose to turn off individual lights to suit their shooting needs.
Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM is the largest macro lens of Japanese electronics company. This is especially useful in static chopping conditions in non-spacious spaces. However, it is also difficult to shoot small objects such as insects because of the proximity of the lens.
Aperture F2.8 is often seen on macro lenses on the market. At the largest aperture, the depth of the field (DOF) is very thin, and the large margins of large objects may suffer from subjectivity. In practical experience, the preferred aperture for macro photography falls between F8 and F11, where the lens gives the sharpest image at F8.
Hybrid IS system supports a lot in macro photography. Especially when you want to capture dynamic, do not want to rely heavily on tripod. This is a new line of Canon’s STM lens, so when combined with body 80D (Dual-Pixel focus mechanism), this lens has no difficulty focusing, even when the live view. The focus ring on the lens is very smooth, focusing immediately in bright conditions.
In terms of image quality, lenses can produce sharp images even at F2.8 apertures. Although macro photography, the transition area between the stroke and the fuzzy is quite strict, should close on F4 can create the nature of the image.
If the 100mm F2.8 macro lens can capture the eye of a 0.5cm fly easily, the 35 F2.8 lens is difficult. However, can be overcome by 100% crop, the image still produces good.
The LED ring system is only useful for capturing still images in room conditions rather than the subject or outdoors. The brightness of the lamp is relatively high and fixed, which sometimes causes the image to be unevenly lit, and the macro shots may not be in the best interest of the user. Also, the ideal distance to use the LED ring is 2 to 3 cm.
Portrait is not the strength of the Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro lens. The quality of the picture stopped at a moderate level, average sharpness and bokeh effect is not really beautiful.
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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Bundle with Manufacturer Accessories & Accessory Kit for EOS 7D Mark II, 7D, 80D, 70D, 60D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, Rebel T6s, T6i, T5i, T4i, SL1, T3i, T6, T5, T3, T2i, T1i: Buy it now
Performance
Autofocus
The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM uses Canon’s STM autofocus technology, which is known for its quiet and smooth operation. This makes it ideal for both still photography and video recording, as the focus motor noise is minimal and unlikely to be picked up by the camera’s microphone. The autofocus is reasonably fast and accurate, though it can occasionally hunt in low light conditions or when attempting to focus on low-contrast subjects.
Image Stabilization
Another key feature of this lens is the Hybrid Image Stabilization (IS) system, which is designed to compensate for both angular and shift camera movements. This is particularly useful for macro photography, where even the slightest camera shake can result in blurry images. The IS system is effective, providing up to four stops of correction and allowing for handheld macro shots that would otherwise require a tripod.
Magnification and Minimum Focus Distance
The lens offers a 1:1 magnification ratio, meaning that subjects can be captured at life-size on the camera’s sensor. This is a crucial feature for macro photographers who need to capture fine details. The minimum focus distance is 30mm (1.2 inches), allowing photographers to get extremely close to their subjects. This close focusing capability, combined with the built-in Macro Lite, makes it possible to capture intricate details with clarity and precision.
Image Quality
Sharpness
The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens delivers impressive sharpness, particularly at its center. When shooting wide open at f/2.8, the center sharpness is excellent, making it suitable for a variety of subjects beyond just macro photography. The corners are slightly softer at f/2.8 but improve noticeably when stopped down to f/4 or smaller apertures. The lens performs consistently well across its aperture range, providing sharp and detailed images from edge to edge.
Bokeh
For a macro lens, the bokeh quality is an important consideration, as it often involves close-up subjects with out-of-focus backgrounds. The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM produces pleasing bokeh, with smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas. The seven-blade diaphragm contributes to this, rendering out-of-focus highlights as soft, rounded shapes. While it may not have the buttery smoothness of higher-end prime lenses with wider apertures, the bokeh is more than adequate for most macro and portrait work.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
The lens performs admirably in controlling chromatic aberration and distortion. Longitudinal chromatic aberration is minimal and rarely noticeable, even in high-contrast scenes. Lateral chromatic aberration is also well-controlled, with only minor fringing visible at the edges of the frame, which can be easily corrected in post-processing.
Distortion is virtually non-existent, which is typical for prime lenses in this focal length. This makes the lens particularly suitable for architectural and product photography, where straight lines need to be accurately rendered.
Vignetting and Flare
When shooting wide open at f/2.8, there is some noticeable vignetting, particularly in the corners of the frame. This is common for many lenses and can often add a pleasing vignette effect to portraits and close-ups. Stopping down to f/4 or smaller significantly reduces the vignetting.
Flare and ghosting are well-controlled, thanks to Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, which helps to minimize reflections and improve contrast. Even when shooting directly into light sources, the lens maintains good contrast and color fidelity, with minimal flare artifacts.
Usability and Versatility
Macro Photography
The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM excels in macro photography, providing a 1:1 magnification ratio and a minimum focus distance of just 30mm. The built-in Macro Lite technology is particularly useful, as it allows photographers to illuminate their subjects without the need for external lighting equipment. This makes it easier to capture detailed close-ups of small objects, insects, and flowers.
General Photography
While the lens is designed with macro photography in mind, its 35mm focal length (equivalent to 56mm on a full-frame camera) and f/2.8 aperture make it a versatile option for general photography as well. It can be used effectively for portraits, street photography, and even landscapes. The fast aperture allows for good performance in low light conditions and provides a shallow depth of field for creative effects.
Video Recording
The STM focus system’s quiet and smooth operation makes this lens well-suited for video recording. The lens’s ability to achieve close focus and provide built-in lighting is also beneficial for shooting detailed video content. The image stabilization further enhances its usability for handheld video recording, helping to produce steady footage.
Conclusion
The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens is a versatile and innovative piece of equipment that serves a variety of photographic needs. Its standout features, including the 1:1 magnification ratio, built-in Macro Lite, and effective image stabilization, make it particularly well-suited for macro photography. However, its performance as a general-purpose lens also impresses, offering sharpness, decent bokeh, and reliable autofocus for a range of applications.
For photographers using APS-C sensor cameras who are looking for a lens that combines macro capabilities with the flexibility of a standard prime lens, the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM is an excellent choice. Its blend of advanced features, compact design, and reasonable price point make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.