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Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM vs Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STMCanonEF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2017March 2005
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length18–55 mm60 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/32
Optical construction12 elements in ten groups12 elements in eight groups; three-group floating internal-focus system
Special elementsAspherical lens element–
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingsCanon describes optimised coatings to reduce flare and ghosting from sensor reflections
Aperture detail–Camera-displayed aperture assumes infinity focus; effective maximum aperture becomes f/5.84 at life-size magnification according to Canon's manual
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureSeven blades according to Canon Camera Museum and Canon Japan
Angle of viewHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manualHorizontal 20°40′, vertical 14°10′, diagonal 24°30′
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 viewCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 96 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon extenders cannot be usedCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.25×1×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settingsUSM autofocus; full-time manual focusing after One-Shot AF with the shutter button held halfway
Focus distance detailManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews0.2 m minimum focus measured from the focal plane; approximately 90 mm working distance from the lens front at life-size magnification
Magnification detailMaximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mmEF12 II extension tube gives 0.20–1.28×; EF25 II gives 0.44–1.61×. Optional 250D close-up lens gives 0.25–1.33× and 500D gives 0.12–1.18×
Stabilisation detailFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve powerNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter58 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter66.5 mm73 mm
Length61.8 mm69.8 mm
Weight215 g335 g
Controls–AF/MF switch; distance window with magnification scale
Filter detail–Front filter thread accommodates a filter and compatible macro flash together; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Weather resistance–Canon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance
Zoom designBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture–
Dimensions detail66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps73 mm maximum diameter × 69.8 mm from mount surface to lens front; cap and rear cap excluded
Weight detail–Canon's manual specifies 335 g for the lens alone
Lens hoodEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016ET-67B hood and LP1016 case sold separately according to Canon's manual; Canon Japan's later accessory listing includes hood and case without clarifying regional package differences
Release detailCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.Canon Camera Museum records March 2005 marketing. Canon Japan's February announcement planned 17 March, while its later exact-model support sheet records 19 March 2005 as the Japanese release date. The headline retains month precision; no UK first-sale day is established.

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