mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I would use the 35 IS f/2. IMHO faster is better, but it depends on if you’ll be using a tripod. If you are, then go with the 40.

EdJames81

Thanks for the replies!!!!!

Just to throw something else in to the mix. I also have access to a Sony A7 (Mk 1) with an adaptor for Canon lenses. Would this be better than my 6D body - which doesn't seem to be that good in low light?

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

I doubt it, the 6D is a pretty good low light camera. No camera is excellent when ISO is pushed, the Sony's have been good performers but you are going back away, why not do some comparison tests.

EdJames81

I'll stick to my Canon then. Maybe I am thinking about it too much and should just get out there and give it a go!

tonal Loc: Greece

The 35mm f/2 would allow you to shoot with a shutter speed more or less 1 stop faster at the same ISO due to the 1 stop faster aperture or would allow you to drop the ISO setting 3 or even 4 stops to achieve a non shaken photo assuming that your subject is still or you don't mind motion blur due to its IS.

Or you could shoot with the 35mm using 3 to 4 stops smaller aperture at the same ISO to achieve greater DOF or star effects etc again due to the IS.

The 40mm pancake lens would need a shutter speed of 1/40sec or faster for sharp pictures.
Considering the same scene and ISO value the 35mm would achieve a 1/80sec shutter speed (1 stop faster aperture) so it would allow for a less blurred moving object.

In other words the 35mm will give you more options to explore your creativity and there is nothing that the 40 can do better IMHO.

The only advantage of the 40mm I could think of is size and discreteness but on a FF DSLR this advantage almost disappears.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

And whichever you choose, that is exactly why the 35 f2 has an advantage even without the IS, 1 stop is the difference between ISO 12,800 and 6,400 for example, and that difference is clearly visible with respect to noise. And if the subject is stationary, so that the IS can be used to advantage, there’s no comparison. When you’re shooting in very low light, every stop counts.

rodpark2 Loc: Dallas, Tx

The image quality difference will be negligible compared to the affect of slow shutter-speed. I have both and both are very good lenses. At night I'd probably go with the 35-2 IS. Flare resistance is also a big concern so I'd do away with any filter that might normally be attached and use the best hood possible to avoid stray light hitting the lens.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Actually, if you can afford the 35mm, go for it. It is not a large lens, so there is no real advantage to the 40mm pancake except price. However, every Canon shooter should have the 40mm pancake in their kit. It is cheap, easy to carry and can come in handy.

If you can afford the 35, you can probably also afford to get both.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

35mm f/2. I used a Nikkor 35mm f/2 for 20 years, for lots of similar work (school yearbook photojournalism). It’s not too wide. The Canon with IS will enable much steadier exposure in low light. It also should be sharper than the 40mm when both are used at f/2.8.

A 50mm f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8 would also be good for this.

PhotosBySteve

In my opinion that's a no-brainer with those two choices 35 mm F2 all the way

Kuzano

The 40 is a bit long for street. The 35 is a far more conventional wide lens. The F2 will gather more light for low light shots. Personally I'd find a 28 with f2.8 stop. I prefer a bit wider and moving closer in.

40mm for me is really the short end of the Normal lens field and I'd pass on that for street, although it might allow you to shoot a little bit farther away from the subject. The f2.8 stop is out of bokeh contention in my fast prime inventory. Hardly ever shoot 40mm anywhere or anytime. Shooing film and digital since the sixties (film) and 90's (digital) but still mostly film because of it's superiority in street and wide.

Better choice since both easy to carry.... Shoot the 35 and carry a much faster 50. 50mm with a 1.4 to f1.8 fstop. Or step up a little and carry a 50mm f1.2. Both lenses you listed are virually no different and neither one is a Bokeh master. Pick one and carry two. 35 or 50mm. Unless you are trying to master and carry just one lens. The 40mm lens is simply a curiosity because of it's "pancake" name. Cute!!!!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I vote with the 35mm with IS.
No it doesn't stop action but you will do much better with the IS than without.