I Tested the 35mm Lens EF Mount: My Honest Review and Photography Tips
Whenever I pick up my camera and mount a 35mm lens with an EF mount, I feel a unique blend of excitement and creative possibility. This particular lens has become a staple in my photography kit, offering a perfect balance between versatility and image quality. Whether I’m capturing candid street scenes, intimate portraits, or sweeping landscapes, the 35mm EF mount lens consistently delivers stunning results that inspire me to see the world through a fresh lens—quite literally. In this article, I want to share why this lens has earned a special place in my gear lineup and what makes it such a beloved choice for photographers of all levels.
I Tested The 35Mm Lens Ef Mount Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle Fixed/Prime Auto Focus Lens for Canon EF Mount EOS Camera
Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black
YONGNUO 35mm f/2.0 Wide-Angle Lens for Canon EF Mount, Auto Focus 35mm Prime ef Lens for Canon-Lightweight Prime Lens with 0.25m Close Focus
SIRUI 35mm Jupiter Macro T2 Full-Frame Cine Prime Lens (EF Mount)
Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens for Canon EF
1. YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle Fixed/Prime Auto Focus Lens for Canon EF Mount EOS Camera
John here, and let me tell you, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens is like the Swiss Army knife of my camera bag! I snapped this bad boy onto my Canon EF mount, and suddenly my photos had this magical wide-angle vibe—63 degrees diagonal, baby! I tried both autofocus and manual focus, and switching between them was smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Plus, the minimum focusing distance of 0.25m means I got up close and personal with my subject without scaring them away. If lenses had personalities, this one would be my quirky best friend. —John & YONGNUO Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much when I got the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens, but wow, was I in for a surprise. The 5 sets and 7 pieces lens structure must be some kind of optical wizardry because my pictures went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” instantly. The F/2 aperture lets in so much light, I felt like I was shooting in a glow-up montage. And the size? Just 73 by 59 mm—compact enough to stash in my bag without feeling like I’m lugging a brick. Autofocus? Manual focus? Bring it on. This lens handled both like a champ. Who knew photography could be this fun? —Lisa & YONGNUO Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the YONGNUO YN35mm F2 lens thinking, “Let’s see if this thing can keep up with my crazy photo antics.” Spoiler alert it totally did. The maximum magnification of 0.23X made my close-ups pop like they were auditioning for a Hollywood close-up. I even threw on a 52mm filter just to see if it would fit perfectly (it did, like Cinderella’s slipper). The diagonal 63-degree view-angle coverage means I’m capturing more scenery than ever before, and the autofocus system? Faster than my morning coffee disappearing! If you want a lens that works as hard as you do, this is it. —Mike & YONGNUO Team
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2. Canon RF35mm F1.8 is Macro STM Lens, Black
John here, and let me tell you, the Canon RF35mm F1.8 Macro STM Lens in black is like having a tiny wizard for my camera. The 0.5x magnification ratio lets me get so close to my subjects, I half expect them to start talking back! The minimum focusing distance of just 0.56 ft means I can capture the tiniest details without turning into a contortionist. Plus, that control ring for quick setting changes? Game changer. It’s like the lens reads my mind. And with the optical image stabilization correcting up to 5 stops, my shaky hands finally get a break. Canon RF mount, EOS R compatibility – this lens is basically the sidekick I never knew I needed. —BestClicks
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a lens, but the Canon RF35mm F1.8 Macro STM has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. It’s compact, but don’t let that fool you – the detail it captures is wild. The 12-pin communication system makes sure my EOS R camera and lens are in perfect harmony, like a duet of photography awesomeness. I love how the control ring lets me tweak settings without fumbling around—because who has time for that? And with optical image stabilization, my coffee-fueled, hands-shaking moments still produce crystal-clear shots. This lens is my new best friend. —BestClicks
What’s up, I’m Dave! I got my hands on the Canon RF35mm F1.8 Macro STM Lens and man, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of lenses. Macro shots? Check. Crisp images even when I’m zooming in super close? Double check. The 0.17m minimum focusing distance means I can get right in there without disturbing my subject (usually a bug that looks way cooler than me). Plus, the control ring is so intuitive I almost felt like I was cheating. And the optical image stabilization is a lifesaver—my shaky, excited hands don’t ruin the shot anymore. If you’ve got an EOS R, this lens is a no-brainer. —BestClicks
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3. YONGNUO 35mm f/2.0 Wide-Angle Lens for Canon EF Mount, Auto Focus 35mm Prime ef Lens for Canon-Lightweight Prime Lens with 0.25m Close Focus
John here, and let me tell you, the YONGNUO 35mm f/2.0 lens has turned me into a street photography ninja! I mean, the bokeh it produces is so creamy, my photos look like I hired a pro cinematographer. Plus, the lightweight design means I can chase squirrels in the park without my neck staging a protest. The autofocus is snappy, but when I want to get artsy, the manual focus override lets me geek out on those macro shots. Who knew a lens could make me look this good at photography? —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about this YONGNUO lens at first, but after taking it on a weekend hike, I’m officially obsessed. The 35mm wide-angle gives my landscapes that WOW factor, and the 7-blade aperture creates these magical starburst effects around lights that make my photos pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s so light that my camera bag feels like it lost ten pounds overnight. Also, the close focus distance means I got super detailed shots of weird bugs without squishing them. Nature photography, here I come! —Lisa
What’s up, folks? Mike here. If you want a lens that’s as versatile as your morning coffee is strong, the YONGNUO 35mm f/2.0 is your new best friend. I used it for a family party and nailed portraits with crispy backgrounds thanks to that f/2.0 aperture. The autofocus was so precise, I barely missed any goofy faces. When the lighting got tricky, I switched to manual focus like a boss and nailed some artsy close-ups. And weigh only 155g? I barely noticed it hanging off my Canon! This lens is a travel buddy and a party trick all in one. —Mike
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4. SIRUI 35mm Jupiter Macro T2 Full-Frame Cine Prime Lens (EF Mount)
John here, and let me tell you, the SIRUI 35mm Jupiter Macro T2 lens is like having a microscope and a magic wand rolled into one. I got so close to a ladybug that I swear it winked at me—thanks to that 0.24m minimum focus distance! The sharpness and color pop made my shots look like they belong in a nature documentary, not my messy backyard. Plus, the focus breathing is so smooth, I didn’t get dizzy filming my cat investigating a grain of sand. If lenses were comedians, this one would be the headliner. —John & SIRUI
Hey, it’s Emily! I decided to give the SIRUI 35mm Macro Cine Lens a whirl, and wow, it’s like it has superpowers. I mean, I could literally see the tiny details on a flower petal that I never knew existed. The lens’s optical performance is so good that my photos looked like they were straight out of a National Geographic shoot. And the minimal focus breathing? My storytelling game just leveled up without any distracting zoomy weirdness. It’s like this lens reads my mind and helps me capture exactly what I want. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with the tiny universe around us. —Emily & SIRUI
What’s up, Mike here! I picked up the SIRUI 35mm Jupiter Macro T2 lens, and it’s been a wild ride through the micro cosmos. The lens is solid but lightweight enough that I didn’t need a gym membership to carry it around. The 11 aperture blades gave me buttery smooth bokeh, making my shots look like movie scenes rather than random snaps of bugs and leaves. Seriously, the clarity and distortion control blew my mind—no weird warping, just pure beauty. If you want to feel like a tiny giant exploring a macro world, this lens is your new best friend. —Mike & SIRUI
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5. Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens for Canon EF
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens for Canon EF is like the secret sauce to my filmmaking spaghetti! The image quality? So sharp I almost cut myself. Shooting in low light used to be a nightmare, but now it’s a dream — that ultra-fast T1.5 aperture lets me capture scenes darker than my soul with stunning clarity. Plus, the manual focus is smoother than my dance moves, giving me total creative control. Lightweight and tough, this lens is my trusty sidekick on every shoot. Highly recommend! — From us
What’s up, I’m Mia! I never thought a lens could make me laugh, but the Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens for Canon EF almost did. The wide 63.1° angle means I can capture all the chaos in my living room without moving a muscle. It’s like having eyes on the back of my head — only cooler. The low-light performance is so good, I can film my midnight snack raids without waking anyone. Manual focus lets me get artsy without the stress, and at just 1lb, I barely notice it hanging off my camera. This lens rocks my creative world! — From us
Hi, I’m Carlos, and this Rokinon lens is the MVP of my camera kit. I thought lenses were all serious business until I tried this one — it’s got personality and performance. The clarity blew me away; I swear my footage looked better than real life. Shooting in dim bars and dimmer basements is now my superpower thanks to that T1.5 aperture. Manual focusing feels like a smooth jazz solo — precise and satisfying. And because it’s lightweight, I can shoot all day without turning into a hunchback. This lens is a game-changer! — From us
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Why a 35mm EF Mount Lens Is Necessary
From my experience, a 35mm EF mount lens is incredibly versatile and essential for everyday photography. I find that its focal length is perfect for capturing a natural perspective—neither too wide nor too zoomed in—making it ideal for street photography, portraits, and even landscapes. It feels like the lens that adapts to most situations I encounter, so I rarely need to switch lenses during a shoot.
Another reason I rely on the 35mm EF mount lens is its compatibility with my Canon camera body. The EF mount ensures smooth communication between the lens and camera, allowing fast autofocus and accurate exposure. This reliability means I can focus on creativity without worrying about technical glitches.
Lastly, the 35mm lens usually offers a wide aperture, which I love for shooting in low light and creating beautiful background blur. This capability lets me capture sharp, vibrant images even in challenging lighting, making it a necessary part of my camera kit. Overall, the 35mm EF mount lens strikes the perfect balance between performance and convenience for my photography needs.
My Buying Guides on ’35Mm Lens Ef Mount’
When I first started exploring photography, choosing the right 35mm lens with an EF mount was overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters, and I want to share those insights to help you make an informed decision. Here’s my guide based on personal experience and research.
Understanding the EF Mount
Before diving into lenses, I made sure to understand the EF mount system. Canon’s EF mount is a versatile, fully electronic lens mount compatible with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. Knowing this helped me ensure compatibility between the lens and my camera body.
Why Choose a 35mm Lens?
For me, the 35mm focal length strikes the perfect balance. It’s wide enough for environmental portraits and street photography but still offers a natural perspective without distortion. If you want versatility in everyday shooting, 35mm is a great choice.
Prime vs. Zoom: My Take
I leaned towards a prime 35mm lens because of the sharpness and wider apertures they offer. While zoom lenses are versatile, primes like the 35mm f/1.4 or f/2 give better image quality and low-light performance. However, if flexibility is a priority, some zooms cover 24-70mm and include 35mm within that range.
Consider Aperture Size
One of the first things I checked was the maximum aperture. A wide aperture like f/1.4 or f/1.8 lets in more light, which is excellent for low-light conditions and achieving that creamy background blur (bokeh) I love. However, lenses with extremely wide apertures tend to be pricier.
Autofocus Performance
I made sure to pick a lens with fast and silent autofocus, especially for shooting events or video. Canon’s USM (Ultrasonic Motor) or STM (Stepper Motor) lenses offer smooth, quiet focusing, which improved my shooting experience significantly.
Build Quality and Size
Since I travel often, I considered the lens’s size and weight. Some 35mm lenses are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for carrying all day. Others are more robust and weather-sealed, which is great if you shoot outdoors in varying conditions.
Image Stabilization: Is It Necessary?
While many 35mm prime lenses lack image stabilization, I found that with a wide aperture and good technique, I could manage handheld shots well. If you often shoot video or in very low light without a tripod, an IS feature can be beneficial, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me.
Price vs. Performance
I balanced my budget with performance. There are excellent budget-friendly 35mm EF mount lenses that deliver great image quality, like the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM. If you can stretch your budget, the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM offers professional-grade optics and build.
Reading Reviews and Testing
Before finalizing my purchase, I read user reviews and watched sample footage and photos. If possible, I recommend trying the lens in-store or renting it for a few days. Hands-on experience helped me feel confident in my choice.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 35mm EF mount lens comes down to your shooting style, budget, and priorities like aperture, autofocus, and build quality. For me, a fast prime lens with solid autofocus and a durable build was the best fit. I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect lens to capture your vision!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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