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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L 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 50mm f/1.2L USMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2007May 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Optical constructionEight elements in six groups10 elements in six groups
Special elementsLarge-diameter, high-precision aspherical glass element according to Canon's manual and Camera MuseumOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Aperture detail–Minimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK's store–
DiaphragmEight circular blades according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° verticalHorizontal 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 supportEF 1.4X II and EF 2X II cannot be used according to Canon's manualCanon EF extenders are not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.15×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwaySTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detail–0.13 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 detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.67×; Canon recommends manual focus with extension tubesMaximum 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 resistantYes–
Filter diameter72 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter85.8 mm69.2 mm
Length65.5 mm55.8 mm
Weight580 g190 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale, depth-of-field scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualMacro 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 resistanceCanon's manual requires a separately sold 72 mm Canon PROTECT filter for dust and water resistance because the front element moves when focusing; without the filter it is not dust or water resistant–
Dimensions detail85.8 mm diameter × 65.5 mm length according to Canon UK; manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm; Canon USA instead lists 85.4 mm diameter69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Weight detailCanon UK's specification page lists 580 g; its store, Canon Camera Museum and the manual list 590 g, while Canon USA lists 545 g lens-only; the manual states its weight excludes accessories–
Lens hoodSupplied ES-78 hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the boxLens, E-72U cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-78 hood, LP1214 case and user manual according to Canon UK's storeLens, ES-27 hood, EF-S35 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and warranty paperwork in Canon Japan's listed package
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon's 2021 retrospective record January 2007 release; the August 2006 Japanese announcement initially planned late November 2006Canon 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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