Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM vs Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
The bottom line
The Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is a zoom (18-150mm) and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a 35mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-150mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM better?
The Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is a zoom (18-150mm) and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a 35mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 18-150mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 63° – 63° | 76° – 11° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 29-240mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | Nano USM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 74.4mm | 73.6mm |
| Length | 62.8mm | 99.9mm |
| Weight | 305g (10.8 oz) | 310g (10.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
