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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM vs Canon EF 35mm f/2

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 35mm f/1.4L USMCanonEF 35mm f/2
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1998October 1990
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length35 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups, with a floating system for close and medium distancesSeven elements in five groups
Special elementsOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera Museum–
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera MuseumFive blades according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact manual63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.23×
Optical stabilisation–No
Autofocus detailRear focusing with ring USM; full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway, according to Canon's manualNon-USM autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; Canon's manual requires the MF switch position for manual focus
Focus distance detailNon-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length according to PhotozoneLens extends towards close focus but its front element does not rotate according to Photozone
Stabilisation detail–No optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter72 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter79 mm67.4 mm
Length86 mm42.5 mm
Weight580 g210 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared indexAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus index
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to Photozone's exact-model testNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
Dimensions detailCanon's manual specifies 79 × 86 mm; its Museum table gives 72 × 86 mm; the manual dimensions are used here67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length; dimensions and 210 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual
Weight detail580 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual; caps add 21.5 mm to the listed length–
Lens hoodEW-78C reversible hood and LP1214 pouch identified by Canon's manual; The Digital Picture confirms both supplied in its reviewed boxEW-65 II clip-on reversible hood according to Canon's manual; optional according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1998 marketingCanon Camera Museum records October 1990 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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