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Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24mm f/2.8CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 1988April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length24 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionTen elements in ten groups; floating rear focusing system according to Canon Camera Museum12 elements in ten groups
Special elements–Aspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSix blades according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84° diagonal, 74° horizontal and 53° vertical according to Canon's manualHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailArc Form Drive autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; Canon's manual requires the MF switch position for manual focusLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal rear focusing; lens length remains constant and the front element does not rotate according to The Digital PictureManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter58 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter67.5 mm66.5 mm
Length48.5 mm61.8 mm
Weight270 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus index–
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table–
Dimensions detail67.5 mm maximum diameter × 48.5 mm length; dimensions and 270 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-60 II reversible hood according to Canon's manual; optional according to The Digital PictureEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records November 1988 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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