The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM and the Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II 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 28mm f1.8 USM is the longer of the two lenses at 56mm. The Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II with a length of 25mm, is 31mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II's 63mm 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. Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II weighs 180g, 41% (130g) lighter than the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM's weight of 310g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Wideangle Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon 28mm f1.8 USM has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II 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 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM and the Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II 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.
Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
28mm but while Canon 28mm f1.8 USM has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Voigtlander 28mm F2.8 Color Skopar SL II's widest aperture value is
F2.8.