Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM vs Canon EF 28mm f/2.8

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 28mm f/1.8 USM compared with EF 28mm f/2.8
CanonEF 28mm f/1.8 USMCanonEF 28mm f/2.8
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1995April 1987
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length28 mm28 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionTen elements in nine groupsFive elements in five groups
Special elementsAspherical lens elementOne moulded glass aspherical element, at the front of the optical system
DiaphragmSeven bladesFive blades
Angle of view75° diagonal, 65° horizontal and 46° vertical75° diagonal, 65° horizontal and 46° vertical according to Canon's manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Adaptor supportEF12 II extension tube gives 0.61–0.43× magnification; EF25 II gives 1.13–0.96×–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.13×
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with mechanical full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFConventional motor autofocus according to Photozone; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detailPhysical length remains constant and the front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneMechanical manual focusing; Canon's manual requires the MF switch position. Inner tube extends towards close focus but the front does not rotate according to Photozone
Design
Filter diameter58 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter73.6 mm67.4 mm
Length55.6 mm42.5 mm
Weight310 g185 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus indexAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus index
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × length in retracted state; dimensions and 310 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length; dimensions and 185 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual
Lens hoodOptional EW-63 II petal hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualEW-65 II reversible hood according to Canon's manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records September 1995 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Camera Museum records April 1987 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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