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Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 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 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2006May 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length17–55 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical construction19 elements in 12 groups10 elements in six groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements 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–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′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 27–88 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 56 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders are not compatibleCanon EF extenders are not compatible
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.17×1×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UKSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detailInternal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to Photozone0.13 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 detailMaximum 0.17× at 55 mm according to Canon Japan; EF12 II extension tube and 500D close-up lens supported, 250D close-up lens not supportedMaximum 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 three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBISHybrid 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 diameter77 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm69.2 mm
Length110.6 mm55.8 mm
Weight645 g190 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ringMacro 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 according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine–
Weather resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance–
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Lens hoodEW-83J hood and LP1219 pouch are optional accessories; Canon UK's box list includes neither. Canon Camera Museum's price table says case and built-in hood, conflicting with the UK package and separately listed removable EW-83J hoodES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the boxLens, E77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E 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 detailCanon Camera Museum records May 2006 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 22 February and Japanese first sale on 31 May 2006; a separately established UK first-sale day is not published in 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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