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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L 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 35mm f/1.4L USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1998April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups, with a floating system for close and medium distances12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera MuseumAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact manualHorizontal 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 camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.25×
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 manualLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailNon-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length according to PhotozoneManual 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 detail–Four-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 diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter79 mm66.5 mm
Length86 mm61.8 mm
Weight580 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared index–
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to Photozone's exact-model test–
Dimensions detailCanon's manual specifies 79 × 86 mm; its Museum table gives 72 × 86 mm; the manual dimensions are used here66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
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-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1998 marketingCanon 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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