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Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM 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 28mm f/2.8 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2012April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length28 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsGlass-moulded aspherical elementAspherical lens element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSeven-blade circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view75° diagonal, 65° horizontal and 46° verticalHorizontal 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 full-frame and APS-C cameras; EOS M requires EF-EOS M adapterCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders not compatibleCanon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportExtension tube EF12 II gives 0.71–0.50× magnification; EF25 II gives 1.30–1.11×–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.23 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual focus according to Canon UK; Camera Museum describes micro USM insteadLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front and constant physical length 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 detailMaker claim up to four stops; The Digital Picture and Photozone each report approximately three stops in their testsFour-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 diameter68.4 mm66.5 mm
Length51.5 mm61.8 mm
Weight260 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture and Photozone–
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × length in retracted state66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodOptional EW-65B; LP1014 pouch listed as an accessoryEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens, E-58U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records June 2012 marketing and explicitly identifies the April 1987 EF 28mm f/2.8 as its predecessorCanon 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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