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Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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

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CanonEF 35mm f/2 IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2012April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionTen elements in eight groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsGlass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon Camera MuseumAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–Horizontal 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 cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UKCanon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.24 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual focus according to Canon UKLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front filter ring according to ePHOTOzineManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.36–0.60× with EF12 II and 0.79–1.04× with EF25 II extension tubesMaximum 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 detailFour-stop optical stabilisation according to Canon UKFour-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 diameter67 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter77.9 mm66.5 mm
Length62.6 mm61.8 mm
Weight335 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
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 UK66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodOptional EW-72 hood; Canon UK's actual box list excludes a hoodEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens, E-67II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2012 marketing and explicitly identifies the October 1990 EF 35mm f/2 as its predecessorCanon 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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