I have owned the first version, and I switched to the 35mm 1.4 II, which is definitely way better in terms of sharpness and colors (at least for my taste). It is the best lens I have ever used. BenSanDiego's gear list: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Fujifilm X-T3 Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM +6 more.
The Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 USD is an extremely well executed lens at one of the critical focal lengths for any lensmaker’s lineup. It’s well build, highly functional, and delivers exceptional image quality. It’s also got a fantastic price tag of just $899 USD, which undercuts first party competitors by nearly 50%.
35mm f2 IS focuses faster - very very slightly, but it does. 35mm f2 is smaller / lighter – but more plastic feeling. Wide open sharpness is about the same – both are more than sharp enough wide open as long as focus is nailed (more critical on the 1.4 for obvious reasons) 35L vignettes LESS than 35mm 2.0. fqoOg1k.