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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM vs Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro 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 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1998May 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length35 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups, with a floating system for close and medium distances10 elements in six groups
Special elementsOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera MuseumOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Aperture detail–Minimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact manualHorizontal 35°55′, vertical 24°20′, diagonal 42°35′
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; equivalent angle of view to 56 mm on full frame
Teleconverter support–Canon EF extenders are not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.18×1×
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 manualSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detailNon-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length according to Photozone0.13 m minimum focus measured from the image plane; approximately 30 mm working distance from the lens front at life-size magnification according to Canon Japan
Magnification detail–Maximum 1×; EF12 II extension tube gives 0.34–1.41× and EF25 II gives 0.76–1.91× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detail–Hybrid IS compensates for angular and lateral movement; Canon states four stops of correction, with effectiveness depending on shooting distance
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter72 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter79 mm69.2 mm
Length86 mm55.8 mm
Weight580 g190 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared indexMacro Lite can illuminate both sides or either side individually, with brightness control; AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Filter detail–49 mm filter attaches to the ES-27 hood; Canon Japan specifies one filter and removing the hood to use Macro Lite illumination
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 here69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
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 boxES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the box–Lens, ES-27 hood, EF-S35 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and warranty paperwork in Canon Japan's listed package
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1998 marketingCanon Camera Museum records May 2017 marketing. Canon Japan announced it on 6 April 2017 and records the Japanese first-sale date as 29 June 2017; a UK first-sale day is not established by these sources.

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