The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro and the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS 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 RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 63mm. The Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM with a length of 52mm, is 11mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM's 68mm 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 28mm f2.8 IS USM weighs 260g, 14% (45g) lighter than the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro's weight of 305g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 35mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
56mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 28mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 44.8mm.
