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Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II 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 85mm f/1.2L II USMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2006May 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups with a floating optical construction10 elements in six groups
Special elementsGround aspherical lens according to Canon JapanOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Aperture detail–Minimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular electromagnetic diaphragmSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° verticalHorizontal 35°55′, vertical 24°20′, diagonal 42°35′
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; equivalent angle of view to 56 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders cannot be used according to the manualCanon EF extenders are not compatible
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility with the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.95 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.11×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus; Canon claims up to 1.8× the autofocus speed of the original EF 85mm f/1.2L USM using a faster CPU and revised algorithmsSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detailElectronic manual focusing; full-time override after One-Shot AF while half-pressing the shutter, with camera and mode exceptions listed in the manual. The Digital Picture confirms camera power is required and the lens extends when focusing0.13 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 detailCanon manual gives EF12 II tube magnification 0.15–0.25×, EF25 II 0.33–0.42× and 500D close-up lens 0.17–0.28×Maximum 1×; EF12 II extension tube gives 0.34–1.41× and EF25 II gives 0.76–1.91× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specificationHybrid 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 diameter72 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter91.5 mm69.2 mm
Length84 mm55.8 mm
Weight1,025 g190 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance window, infrared index and depth-of-field scaleMacro Lite can illuminate both sides or either side individually, with brightness control; AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Filter detailFront screw-in filter; one filter at a time according to Canon's manual49 mm filter attaches to the ES-27 hood; Canon Japan specifies one filter and removing the hood to use Macro Lite illumination
Weather resistanceCanon Japan explicitly lists no dust or drip resistance–
Dimensions detail91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Add 21.5 mm with E-72U and rear cap, or 24.2 mm with E-72 II and rear cap69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Lens hoodSupplied ES-79 II clip-on hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the boxLens, E-72U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-79 II hood, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UKLens, ES-27 hood, EF-S35 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and warranty paperwork in Canon Japan's listed package
Release detailMarch 2006 sale month confirmed by Canon Camera Museum and Japan support. Canon explicitly identifies this model as the successor to the September 1989 EF 85mm f/1.2L USMCanon 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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