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Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM vs Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 28mm f/1.8 USMCanonEF 35mm f/1.4L USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1995December 1998
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length28 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionTen elements in nine groupsEleven elements in nine groups, with a floating system for close and medium distances
Special elementsAspherical lens elementOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera Museum
DiaphragmSeven bladesEight blades according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view75° diagonal, 65° horizontal and 46° vertical63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF full-frame and APS-C cameras
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 magnification0.18×0.18×
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with mechanical full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFRear focusing with ring USM; full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway, according to Canon's manual
Focus distance detailPhysical length remains constant and the front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneNon-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length according to Photozone
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter58 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter73.6 mm79 mm
Length55.6 mm86 mm
Weight310 g580 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus indexFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared index
Weather resistance–No weather sealing according to Photozone's exact-model test
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 manualCanon's manual specifies 79 × 86 mm; its Museum table gives 72 × 86 mm; the manual dimensions are used here
Weight detail–580 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual; caps add 21.5 mm to the listed length
Lens hoodOptional EW-63 II petal hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualEW-78C reversible hood and LP1214 pouch identified by Canon's manual; The Digital Picture confirms both supplied in its reviewed box
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records September 1995 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Camera Museum records December 1998 marketing

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