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

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 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1998December 2012
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 distancesTen elements in eight groups
Special elementsOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera MuseumGlass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon Camera Museum
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera MuseumEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact 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
Teleconverter support–Not compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.24×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailRear focusing with ring USM; full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway, according to Canon's manualRing USM with full-time manual focus according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailNon-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length according to PhotozoneInternal focusing with a non-rotating front filter ring according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detail–Canon UK specifies 0.36–0.60× with EF12 II and 0.79–1.04× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical stabilisation according to Canon UK
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter72 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter79 mm77.9 mm
Length86 mm62.6 mm
Weight580 g335 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared indexAF/MF and stabiliser switches, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to Photozone's exact-model testNo weather sealing according to Digital Camera World's exact-model review
Dimensions detailCanon's manual specifies 79 × 86 mm; its Museum table gives 72 × 86 mm; the manual dimensions are used here77.9 mm maximum diameter × 62.6 mm length; 335 g according to Canon UK
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 boxOptional EW-72 hood; Canon UK's actual box list excludes a hood
In the box–Lens, E-67II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1998 marketingCanon Camera Museum records December 2012 marketing and explicitly identifies the October 1990 EF 35mm f/2 as its predecessor

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