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Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 35mm f/2 IS USMCanonEF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2012May 2015
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length35 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionTen elements in eight groupsSix elements in five groups
Coatings–Lens coating optimised for digital cameras to reduce ghosting and flare
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 with one-third-stop camera aperture increments
Special elementsGlass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon Camera Museum–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–Full-frame horizontal 40°; vertical 27°; diagonal 46°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRs
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK–
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount AdapterCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.24 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.21×
Optical stabilisationYes–
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual focus according to Canon UKGear-type stepping motor; manual override after autofocus with the camera set to One-Shot AF
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front filter ring according to ePHOTOzineElectronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.36–0.60× with EF12 II and 0.79–1.04× with EF25 II extension tubesEF12 II extension tube gives 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical stabilisation according to Canon UK–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter67 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter77.9 mm69.2 mm
Length62.6 mm39.3 mm
Weight335 g160 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings–
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to Digital Camera World's exact-model review–
Dimensions detail77.9 mm maximum diameter × 62.6 mm length; 335 g according to Canon UK69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detail–Approximately 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 g
Lens hoodOptional EW-72 hood; Canon UK's actual box list excludes a hoodOptional ES-68
In the boxLens, E-67II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UKLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2012 marketing and explicitly identifies the October 1990 EF 35mm f/2 as its predecessorMarketed in May 2015 according to Canon Camera Museum

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