faster and quieter AF motor and 7-bladed rounded aperture like Sony and Nikon. This lens is optically very good although Nikon and Sony version is better wide open at f/1.8. Canon needs to put some more attention for entry level folks. If someone buy DSLR now, my advice would be go for either Sony or Nikon. They have newer and cheaper prime lenses, such as 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and macro. Go for Canon if they take steps to update entry level prime lenses.