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 F1.4 GM
Sony E Mount
FE 50mm F1.4 GM — 50mm f/1.4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Feb 2023
FE 50mm F1.4 GM is 4.3 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Which would you choose?
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 0.16 ×)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (17 cm vs 41 cm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 516 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 96 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 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 50mm F1.4 GM
⌀81 × 96 mm
516 g (1.14 lb / 18.20 oz)
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is 33mm shorter and 7mm narrower than FE 50mm F1.4 GM.
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is 211 g lighter than FE 50mm F1.4 GM.
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
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 41 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 516 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 96 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.16 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 80.6 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.4 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.4 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.4 GM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.4 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.4 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 F1.4 GM
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.4 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –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 50mm F1.4 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.