The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM and the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 35mm f2 IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 63mm. The Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX with a length of 60mm, is 3mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM also has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX's 73mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 35mm f2 IS USM weighs 335g, which means it is 5g (1%) lighter than the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX which has a weight of 340g.
Filter Threads
The Canon 35mm f2 IS USM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM and the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX is also available in Nikon F (DX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
35mm but while Canon 35mm f2 IS USM has the fastest aperture of
F2.0, the Tokina 35mm f2.8 Macro DX's widest aperture value is
F2.8.