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
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
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
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 lower Weight (305 g vs 950 g)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (17 cm vs 50 cm)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.17 ×)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 111.5 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 35mm F1.2 L USM
⌀89 × 112 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 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 35mm F1.2 L USM is 49mm longer and 15mm wider than RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM.
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM is 645 g heavier 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 35mm F1.2 L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 1 UD
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — 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
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 50 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 111.5 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
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 35mm F1.2 L USM and RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
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.