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 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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 0.17 ×)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 778 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (17 cm vs 40 cm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 108 mm)
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 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 108 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM 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
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 F1.8 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 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.