Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II 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

EF 50mm f/1.8 II compared with EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 IICanonEF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1990May 2015
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical designSix 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
DiaphragmFive bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°Full-frame horizontal 40°; vertical 27°; diagonal 46°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount for full-frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras (DPReview)Canon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRs
Adaptor support–Canon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)Gear-type stepping motor; manual override after autofocus with the camera set to One-Shot AF
Focus distance detailSwitch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocusElectronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)
Magnification detail0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to CanonEF12 II extension tube gives 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (DPReview)–
Design
Filter diameter52 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter68.2 mm69.2 mm
Length41 mm39.3 mm
Weight130 g (better)160 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)–
Filter detailOne 52 mm front filter; with the optional hood, mount the filter on the hood adaptor–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front of the lens, excluding caps69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detailApproximately 130 g lens onlyApproximately 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 g
Lens hoodOptional ES-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storageOptional ES-68
In the boxFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by regionLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarketed in May 2015 according to Canon Camera Museum

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