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 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
Sony E Mount
World's lightest 300mm F2.8 — 1470g with XD Linear AF, OSS, and G Master resolution.
$6,999
Launch priceReleased Jan 2024
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS is 5.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (17 cm vs 200 cm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 1470 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 265 mm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.16 ×)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Diameter (74 mm vs 124 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
⌀74 × 63 mm
305 g (0.67 lb / 10.76 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
⌀124 × 265 mm
1470 g (3.24 lb / 51.85 oz)
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is 202mm shorter and 50mm narrower than FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS.
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is 1165 g lighter than FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS.
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 F1.8 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 200 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 265 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 124 mm — lower is better
- ✓
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 0.16 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Super ED, 1 ED
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
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 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.