Canon's original EF 35mm f/2 — a simple, compact wide prime from the early EOS era.
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 launched in 1990 as a compact, affordable wide-angle prime for the EOS system. It provided a useful 35mm perspective at f/2 — one of Canon's simplest yet most popular primes for film and early digital shooters.
Optically decent but dated — sharp from f/4 with moderate softness wide open. The simple optical design lacks modern coatings. Non-USM micro-motor AF — audible. No image stabilisation. Adequate for casual wide-angle work on film.
Canon EF mount with 52mm filter thread. Approximately 210g — very compact. Full-frame coverage. Micro-motor AF — no full-time manual override. Minimum focus distance 25cm — impressive. 5 aperture blades.
Available used very cheaply. The EF 35mm f/2 IS USM (2012) is dramatically better with IS, better optics, and ring USM. The original is only worth considering at throwaway prices. Check for smooth AF motor operation.