Canon's original L-series 35mm f/1.4 — a professional wide prime with legendary bokeh rendering.
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM (original, 1998) is the L-series wide prime for Canon EF full-frame bodies. Eleven elements in 9 groups. Eight aperture blades. 72mm filter thread. At 580g. 0.30m MFD. Ring USM for fast, quiet autofocus. The Mark II (2015) uses a different 14-element formula with 9 blades and 67mm filter thread.
The optical design uses 11 elements in 9 groups. Eight aperture blades. The 72mm filter thread. At 580g the lens is moderate. Minimum focus distance of 0.30m. Ring USM with full-time manual override. L-series dust and moisture sealing. f/1.4 maximum aperture. Full-frame coverage.
The original EF 35mm f/1.4L established the 35mm f/1.4 standard for professional Canon EF photography: the L-series weather sealing, fast ring USM, and f/1.4 aperture at 35mm provided a durable wide prime for photojournalism and event work. The 72mm filter thread (versus the Mk II's 67mm) and 8-blade aperture (versus Mk II's 9) are the practical distinctions between versions.
On the used market the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM original is affordable as a vintage L-series wide prime. Condition checks: ring USM AF response, L-series sealing, 72mm front element for marks. The Mk II (2015) has 9 blades, 67mm filter, different formula. Compatible with all Canon EOS EF bodies; on RF bodies via EF-RF adapter.