Courtesy of Canon Rumors, here's an MTF comparison between the new version and the old version, which shows the II lens to be significantly sharper:

Canon_35mm_lens_comparison_

They've also announced that they've developed a Blue Spectrum Refractive optical element to be used in this lens, which helps significantly reduce chromatic aberrations. Here's a little more on that technology:

Canon's proprietary Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR Optics) incorporate a new organic optical material with unique anomalous dispersion characteristics for use in camera lenses. The molecular design of BR Optics refracts blue light (short wavelength spectrum) to a greater degree than other existing optical technologies including UD glass, Super UD glass and Fluorite, to control color fringing as effectively as possible. When placed between convex and concave lens elements made from conventional optical glass materials, BR Optics help to produce sharp images with outstanding contrast and color fidelity by thoroughly reducing axial chromatic aberration.

Canon Blue Spectrum Refractive Optical Element

We're likely going to see this technology in all of the new versions of their lenses, and it should improve the performance quite a bit when it comes to color fringing/chromatic aberration, especially shooting wide open, as this is where you see the most fringing. I imagine if Canon ever develops new cinema primes with completely different optics than their still lenses, these are the kinds of fancy elements you're going to see.

And here's more on the design of the lens itself:

  • EF Mount L-Series Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • 72mm Filter
  • Min. Focus Distance: 11"
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4-22
  • Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics
  • Two Aspherical Elements, One UD Element
  • Subwavelength and Fluorine Coatings
  • Ultrasonic Autofocus Motor
  • Full-Time Manual Focus Override
  • Weather-Sealed Design
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Weight: 1.67 lbs.
  • Availability: October 2015
  • Price: $1,800

This is a pro lens, so it's coming with a professional price tag of $1,800. Though that is a lot compared to many still lenses, it's only a few hundred more than their current 35mm, so this was never going to be a bargain lens in the first place. We should see this lens coming down the road in October at some point, but you can pre-order right now.

Canon 35mm f/1.4L II USM — B&H

Source: Canon

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Cinematography & Cameras