Canon
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
World's smallest RF lens — 120g pancake with STM AF and 0.23m close focus.
$299
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Canon
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM — 35mm f/1.2 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Dec 2018
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 4.4 years newer.
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Wins
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Wins
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Weight (120 g vs 950 g)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Length (24.7 mm vs 111.5 mm)
- BRF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Min focus distance (23 cm vs 50 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 28mm F2.8 STM
⌀69 × 25 mm
120 g (0.26 lb / 4.23 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
⌀89 × 112 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 87mm shorter and 20mm narrower than RF 35mm F1.2 L USM.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 830 g lighter than RF 35mm F1.2 L USM.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 28mm F2.8 STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 PMo
- ✓
Weight
120 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
24.7 mm vs 111.5 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
23 cm vs 50 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
69.2 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 1 UD
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
Shared specifications
Max magnification
Both 0.17 ×
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Canon RF mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 28mm F2.8 STM and RF 35mm F1.2 L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Canon RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.