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Canon EF 85mm 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 85mm f/1.2L USMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1989May 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups; floating optical system10 elements in six groups
Special elementsOne aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to CanonOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Aperture detail–Minimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments
DiaphragmEight blades; non-rounded according to The Digital PictureSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical according to Canon's manualHorizontal 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 support–Canon EF extenders are not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.95 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.11×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash meteringSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detailElectronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing 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 detail–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 The Digital Picture's exact-model specificationsHybrid 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, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markingsMacro Lite can illuminate both sides or either side individually, with brightness control; AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Filter detailFront screw-in filter; Canon's manual permits one filter at a time49 mm filter attaches to the ES-27 hood; Canon Japan specifies one filter and removing the hood to use Macro Lite illumination
Weather resistanceNot weather sealed according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications–
Dimensions detail91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Canon's manual gives a further 21.5 mm with both caps fitted69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Lens hoodES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storageES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the box–Lens, 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 September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon 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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