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Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 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/1.4 USMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJune 1993May 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groups10 elements in six groups
Special elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements 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
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK–
DiaphragmEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped downSeven 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 support–Canon EF extenders are not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.15×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMicro 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 detailOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital Picture0.13 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 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UKMaximum 1×; EF12 II extension tube gives 0.34–1.41× and EF25 II gives 0.76–1.91× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableHybrid 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 diameter58 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter73.8 mm69.2 mm
Length50.5 mm55.8 mm
Weight290 g190 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance 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 resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table–
Dimensions detail73.8 mm diameter × 50.5 mm length in the retracted state according to Canon UK; Canon's manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Weight detail290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual–
Lens hoodOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the boxLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E 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 records June 1993 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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