Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 vs Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 – What’s the Difference?

The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM are two compact, lightweight prime lenses that target travel photographers, vloggers, and everyday creators.

At first glance, both look similar — small, affordable, and perfect for full-frame Canon R cameras. But they have distinct strengths: the 35mm is brighter, stabilized, and more versatile, while the 28mm is smaller, wider, and optimized for portability.

So, which one should you buy? Let’s compare them side by side.

---

⚙️ Overview — Stabilized Macro vs Ultra-Compact Everyday Lens

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
A bright, stabilized prime lens offering hybrid versatility — perfect for travel, portraits, food photography, and even macro work. With its fast f/1.8 aperture and 1:2 close-up capability, it’s one of Canon’s most flexible budget primes.

Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM
A newer, ultra-compact pancake lens designed for minimalists and vloggers. It’s incredibly small and lightweight, making your camera feel pocketable while still delivering solid image quality and wide-angle versatility.

In short:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Brighter, stabilized, and more versatile.

• RF 28mm f/2.8: Smaller, lighter, and ideal for travel or street photography.

---

📊 Specifications Comparison

---

🧱 Build and Handling

The RF 28mm f/2.8 wins for portability — it’s a true pancake lens, almost disappearing on your camera. It’s perfect for street photographers, travelers, or anyone who wants a discreet setup.

The RF 35mm f/1.8, while larger, still feels compact and balanced even on smaller bodies like the Canon EOS R8. Its size gives you better control, and the dedicated macro switch and stabilization add useful versatility.

Both lenses include Canon’s customizable control ring, though on the RF 28mm it doubles as a focus ring — meaning you can’t use both simultaneously.

Verdict:

• RF 28mm f/2.8: Ultra-light and perfect for compact setups.

• RF 35mm f/1.8: More ergonomic, versatile, and feature-rich.

---

🎯 Autofocus and Performance

Both lenses use Canon’s STM motor, which provides smooth, quiet, and accurate focusing — ideal for hybrid shooting.

However, the RF 35mm f/1.8 tends to be slightly faster and more reliable in low light, thanks to its brighter f/1.8 aperture and image stabilization.

The RF 28mm f/2.8, while not as fast in low light, focuses quickly and silently, making it a great choice for video or on-the-go photography.

Verdict:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Better low-light and macro performance.

• RF 28mm f/2.8: Quieter and slightly faster for video AF.

---

🧠 Image Quality

Sharpness

Both lenses deliver strong central sharpness, but the RF 35mm f/1.8 maintains better edge-to-edge consistency, especially wide open. The RF 28mm performs best between f/4 and f/8, making it great for travel and landscapes.

Bokeh

The RF 35mm f/1.8 produces noticeably creamier bokeh thanks to its wider aperture and 9-blade diaphragm. The RF 28mm, while decent, produces less background separation — its design favors sharpness over depth.

Distortion and Aberrations

The RF 28mm f/2.8 shows some barrel distortion and vignetting (common for ultra-compact wide primes), but these are easily corrected in-camera. The RF 35mm f/1.8 handles distortion better and exhibits excellent chromatic aberration control.

Verdict:

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Sharper edges, smoother bokeh, and less distortion.

• RF 28mm f/2.8: Great central sharpness, but more distortion wide open.

---

🎥 Video Performance

Both are excellent for video, depending on your style.

The RF 28mm f/2.8 gives a wider field of view that’s ideal for vlogging, handheld recording, and environmental storytelling. Its pancake form makes it unobtrusive and easy to balance on small rigs or gimbals.

The RF 35mm f/1.8, on the other hand, shines in low light and stabilized handheld work, thanks to its built-in Image Stabilizer and brighter aperture. It also offers macro focus pulls for cinematic close-up shots.

Verdict:

• RF 28mm f/2.8: Best for vlogging and wide handheld shots.

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Better for cinematic storytelling and low-light video.

---

💰 Price and Value

–

The RF 28mm f/2.8 is one of Canon’s best value lenses for portability and wide-angle creativity. But for $200 more, the RF 35mm f/1.8 adds image stabilization, macro functionality, and an extra stop of light — a compelling upgrade for many creators.

Verdict:

• RF 28mm f/2.8: Best for travel and simplicity.

• RF 35mm f/1.8: Better long-term investment for versatility.

---

🏁 Final Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?

–

✅ In short:
Choose the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 if you want a wide, compact, travel-friendly lens that’s perfect for vlogging and everyday photography.

Pick the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you prefer a brighter, stabilized lens that’s more versatile — great for portraits, macro shots, and creative storytelling.

---

💡 Pro tip:

If your camera has IBIS (like the R6 Mark III or R5), the RF 28mm f/2.8 makes a perfect lightweight companion.

If it doesn’t, the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM gives you built-in stabilization — a huge advantage for handheld shooting.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Canon RF 28mm f/1.8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.