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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 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 50mm f/1.4 USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1998June 1993
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length35 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups, with a floating system for close and medium distancesSeven elements in six groups
Special elementsOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera MuseumTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera Museum
Coatings–Super Spectra coating according to Canon UK
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera MuseumEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped down
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact manual46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF full-frame and APS-C cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.15×
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 manualMicro USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailNon-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length according to PhotozoneOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital Picture
Magnification detail–EF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detail–No image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter79 mm73.8 mm
Length86 mm50.5 mm
Weight580 g290 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared indexAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale and infrared index according to Canon's manual
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 here73.8 mm diameter × 50.5 mm length in the retracted state according to Canon UK; Canon's manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm
Weight detail580 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual; caps add 21.5 mm to the listed length290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual
Lens hoodEW-78C reversible hood and LP1214 pouch identified by Canon's manual; The Digital Picture confirms both supplied in its reviewed boxOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manual
In the box–Lens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK's store
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1998 marketingCanon Camera Museum records June 1993 marketing

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