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Canon EF 35mm f/2 vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 35mm f/2CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 1990September 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSeven elements in five groups23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Special elements–One fluorite and five UD elements
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces
DiaphragmFive blades according to Canon Camera MuseumEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's manualDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter support–EF1.4X III gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.30× maximum magnification; EF2X III gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.44×; autofocus remains available but is slower
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.23×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailNon-USM autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; Canon's manual requires the MF switch position for manual focusRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailLens extends towards close focus but its front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableUp to 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; Canon notes tripod results depend on the tripod and shooting conditions
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter52 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter67.4 mm88.8 mm
Length42.5 mm199 mm
Weight210 g1,480 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus indexAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinity
Zoom design–Internal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount
Dimensions detail67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length; dimensions and 210 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps
Weight detail–Approximately 1,480 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual, UK store and Camera Museum; a Canon USA one-page specification chart instead lists approximately 1,440 g
Tripod mount–Included removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar
Lens hoodEW-65 II clip-on reversible hood according to Canon's manual; optional according to Photozone and The Digital PictureET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storage
In the box–ET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 1990 marketing; no first-sale day is givenMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018

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