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 F1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
A versatile wide-angle prime with 0.5x macro — perfect for street, travel, and close-up photography on a budget.
$499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2018
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 4.6 years newer.
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Wins
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.17 ×)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Length (24.7 mm vs 63 mm)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Weight (120 g vs 305 g)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
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 F1.8 Macro IS STM
⌀74 × 63 mm
305 g (0.67 lb / 10.76 oz)
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 38mm shorter and 5mm narrower than RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 185 g lighter than RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM.
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
- ✓
Length
24.7 mm vs 63 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
120 g vs 305 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
69.2 mm vs 74 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 23 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
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 F1.8 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Versatile 35mm focal length for street and travel
- ✓0.5x macro capability in a compact prime
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Affordable entry into RF primes
Cons
- –f/1.8 not as impressive as f/1.4 alternatives
- –Some distortion and vignetting wide open
- –Plastic build, no weather sealing
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 28mm F2.8 STM and RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.