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
Sony
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Sony E Mount
FE 135mm F1.8 GM — 135mm f/1.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$1,899
Launch priceReleased Feb 2019
FE 135mm F1.8 GM is 4 months newer.
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Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.15 ×)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 950 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 183 mm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (17 cm vs 30 cm)
Key specs at a glance
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 F1.8 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
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 183 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 135mm F1.8 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 135mm F1.8 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 135mm F1.8 GM supports it
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/1.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/1.8
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 F1.8 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
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and FE 135mm F1.8 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.