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Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS 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-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2009May 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length15–85 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/32
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups10 elements in six groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element 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
CoatingsCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flare–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 74°10′–15°25′, vertical 53°30′–10°25′, diagonal 84°30′–18°25′Horizontal 35°55′, vertical 24°20′, diagonal 42°35′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EF-SCanon EF-S
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 24–136 mm on full frameCanon 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 distance0.35 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.21×1×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF according to Photozone and The Digital PictureSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detailInternal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and 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 detailCanon states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; The Digital Picture's tested example achieved four stops at 85 mm and 4⅓ at 15 mmHybrid IS compensates for angular and lateral movement; Canon states four stops of correction, with effectiveness depending on shooting distance
Design
Filter diameter72 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter81.6 mm69.2 mm
Length87.5 mm55.8 mm
Weight575 g190 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance windowMacro 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
Zoom designExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to Photozone–
Dimensions detail81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length according to Canon69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Lens hoodOptional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon JapanES-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 and Canon Japan's exact-model support sheet both record October 2009 release. No separately established UK first-sale day is given by these sources.Canon 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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