The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM and the Canon 35mm f1.4L USM 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 f1.4L USM is the longer of the two lenses at 86mm. The Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM with a length of 56mm, is 30mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 35mm f1.4L USM also has a larger diameter of 79mm compared to the Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM's 69mm 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 EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM weighs 190g, which means it is 390g (67%) lighter than the Canon 35mm f1.4L USM which has a weight of 580g.
Filter Threads
The Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM has a filter size of 49mm whereas the Canon 35mm f1.4L USM has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 49mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 35mm f1.4L USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM has the Canon EF-S lens mount whereas the Canon 35mm f1.4L USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF-S Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
35mm but while Canon EF-S 35mm F2.8 Macro IS STM has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Canon 35mm f1.4L USM's widest aperture value is
F1.4.