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

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 II
Overview
ReleasedMay 2017July 2011
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 UK launch 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′Horizontal 23°20′–5°20′; vertical 15°40′–3°30′; diagonal 27°50′–6°15′
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 compatibleEF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual
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 AbbottMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF mode
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; maximum 0.31× magnification at 250 mm; front and focus ring rotate during autofocus according to Ken Rockwell
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; automatically compensates across the direction of panning; manual recommends switching IS off on a tripod to save battery
Design
Filter diameter49 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter69.2 mm70 mm
Length55.8 mm108 mm
Weight190 g390 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends towards longer focal lengths according to Ken Rockwell
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 length70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length from the mount to the lens front without caps
Weight detail–Approximate 390 g lens-only figure in Canon's instruction manual
Lens hoodES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon JapanOptional ET-60; reversible for storage
In the boxLens, ES-27 hood, EF-S35 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and warranty paperwork in Canon Japan's listed packageFront and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as optional
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 and Canon's UK launch announcement give July 2011 first availability. Canon identifies the 2007 EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS as its predecessor; the II retains its optical design and changes the exterior.

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