Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM vs Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM vs Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
When comparing Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM and Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM features a Canon RF while the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM features a Canon EF — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM or Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
3. Lens Type Comparison
The Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM is a Zoom lens while the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is a Prime lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM and Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM:
| Canon RF 15-35/2.8 L IS USM | Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | Missing | 40 mm |
| Largest Aperture | Missing | 2.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |