Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM 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

EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM compared with EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STMCanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2013May 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length18–55 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/32
Optical construction13 elements in 11 groups10 elements in six groups
Special elementsOne high-precision aspherical elementOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Aperture detailMinimum f/22–36 with third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments according to Canon's manualMinimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–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; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view; EOS M use requires Mount Adapter EF-EOS MCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 56 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders cannot be usedCanon EF extenders are not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.36×1×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressedSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detailElectronic manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews0.13 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 0.36× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.65–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× at 55 mm; both are incompatible at 18 mmMaximum 1×; EF12 II extension tube gives 0.34–1.41× and EF25 II gives 0.76–1.91× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detailCanon's manual and Japanese support specify 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 55 mm using an EOS 7D; the UK specification lists four stops. Automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power.Hybrid IS compensates for angular and lateral movement; Canon states four stops of correction, with effectiveness depending on shooting distance
Design
Filter diameter58 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter69 mm69.2 mm
Length75.2 mm55.8 mm
Weight205 g190 g (better)
Controls–Macro 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 designMost compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to The Digital Picture–
Dimensions detail69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted length
Lens hoodEW-63C hood and LP1016 pouch sold separatelyES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the boxE-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, instructions and warranty card according to Canon JapanLens, ES-27 hood, EF-S35 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and warranty paperwork in Canon Japan's listed package
Release detailCanon Japan's support specification gives first sale on 12 April 2013, earlier than the announcement's promised late April; Camera Museum records April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.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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