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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM vs Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 135mm f/2L USMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedApril 1996May 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length135 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical constructionTen elements in eight groups10 elements in six groups
Special elementsTwo UD glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Aperture detail–Minimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK–
DiaphragmEight bladesSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view15° horizontal, 10° vertical and 18° diagonal according to Canon UKHorizontal 35°55′, vertical 24°20′, diagonal 42°35′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 56 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual confirms EF1.4X II gives 189 mm f/2.8 and EF2X II gives 270 mm f/4Canon EF extenders are not compatible
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M use with the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.9 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.19×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM; mechanical full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter halfway according to Canon's manualSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with constant length and a non-rotating filter thread according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine0.13 m minimum focus measured from the image plane; approximately 30 mm working distance from the lens front at life-size magnification according to Canon Japan
Magnification detailEF12 II provides 0.09–0.29× and EF25 II 0.20–0.41× according to Canon UKMaximum 1×; EF12 II extension tube gives 0.34–1.41× and EF25 II gives 0.76–1.91× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specificationHybrid IS compensates for angular and lateral movement; Canon states four stops of correction, with effectiveness depending on shooting distance
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter72 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter82.5 mm69.2 mm
Length112 mm55.8 mm
Weight750 g190 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance window and 0.9 m–infinity or 1.6 m–infinity limiter according to Canon's manualMacro Lite can illuminate both sides or either side individually, with brightness control; AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Filter detail–49 mm filter attaches to the ES-27 hood; Canon Japan specifies one filter and removing the hood to use Macro Lite illumination
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model test–
Dimensions detail82.5 mm diameter × 112 mm length, excluding caps according to Canon's manual69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Weight detail750 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual–
Lens hoodSupplied reversible ET-78II hoodES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the boxLens, E-72U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 case, ET-78II hood and user manual according to Canon UK's box listLens, ES-27 hood, EF-S35 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and warranty paperwork in Canon Japan's listed package
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records April 1996 marketingCanon Camera Museum records May 2017 marketing. Canon Japan announced it on 6 April 2017 and records the Japanese first-sale date as 29 June 2017; a UK first-sale day is not established by these sources.

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