Request a product

Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STMCanonEF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS
Overview
ReleasedMay 2017November 2007
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm55–250 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–32
Optical construction10 elements in six groups12 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagramUD glass element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings according to Canon's European announcement
Aperture detailMinimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments–
DiaphragmSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 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 56 mm on full frameCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 88–400 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon EF extenders are not compatibleCanon extenders cannot be used according to The Digital Picture
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.13 m1.1 m
Maximum magnification1×0.31×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin AbbottMicro Motor autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; focus ring rotates during autofocus
Focus distance detail0.13 m minimum focus measured from the image plane; approximately 30 mm working distance from the lens front at life-size magnification according to Canon JapanMinimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; front element rotates during focusing according to The Digital Picture
Magnification detailMaximum 1×; EF12 II extension tube gives 0.34–1.41× and EF25 II gives 0.76–1.91× according to Canon UK–
Stabilisation detailHybrid IS compensates for angular and lateral movement; Canon states four stops of correction, with effectiveness depending on shooting distanceFour-stop launch claim based on 1/(focal length × 1.6) shutter speed; automatic panning detection according to Canon's European announcement
Design
Filter diameter49 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter69.2 mm70 mm
Length55.8 mm108 mm
Weight190 g390 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends during zooming and focusing according to The Digital Picture
ControlsMacro Lite can illuminate both sides or either side individually, with brightness control; AF/MF and stabiliser switches–
Filter detail49 mm filter attaches to the ES-27 hood; Canon Japan specifies one filter and removing the hood to use Macro Lite illumination–
Dimensions detail69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted lengthCanon gives 70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length
Lens hoodES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon JapanET-60 hood sold separately according to The Digital Picture; LP1019 pouch also optional
In the boxLens, 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 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.Canon Camera Museum records November 2007 introduction. The Japanese announcement originally scheduled late October 2007 availability; this was a planned date rather than the Museum's recorded introduction. The Digital Picture tested a Canadian retail sample in November 2007 and notes the later US announcement.

More comparisons