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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 STM

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 STM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2017September 2013
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 groups15 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagramOne UD element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
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 compatible–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.13 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification1×0.29×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin AbbottSTM stepping motor with lead screw; electronic manual focus adjustment after One-Shot autofocus locks according to ePHOTOzine
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 0.85 m throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.29× magnification at 250 mm; non-rotating front element
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 distance3.5-stop CIPA claim; automatic panning detection disables correction in the direction of movement
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter49 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter69.2 mm70 mm
Length55.8 mm111.2 mm
Weight190 g375 g
Weather resistance–No weather seals according to Digital Camera World
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 × 111.2 mm length in the retracted state
Lens hoodES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon JapanET-63; sold separately according to both reviews
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 Japan gives first sale on 12 September 2013; Canon Camera Museum gives September. This day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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