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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 135mm f/2L USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 1996September 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length135 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical constructionTen elements in eight groups23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Special elementsTwo UD glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumOne fluorite and five UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKAir Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces
DiaphragmEight bladesEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view15° horizontal, 10° vertical and 18° diagonal according to Canon UKDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual confirms EF1.4X II gives 189 mm f/2.8 and EF2X II gives 270 mm f/4EF1.4X III gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.30× maximum magnification; EF2X III gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.44×; autofocus remains available but is slower
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M use with the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.9 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM; mechanical full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter halfway according to Canon's manualRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with constant length and a non-rotating filter thread according to Photozone and ePHOTOzineInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Magnification detailEF12 II provides 0.09–0.29× and EF25 II 0.20–0.41× according to Canon UK–
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specificationUp to 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; Canon notes tripod results depend on the tripod and shooting conditions
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter72 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter82.5 mm88.8 mm
Length112 mm199 mm
Weight750 g1,480 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance window and 0.9 m–infinity or 1.6 m–infinity limiter according to Canon's manualAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinity
Zoom design–Internal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model testDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount
Dimensions detail82.5 mm diameter × 112 mm length, excluding caps according to Canon's manual88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps
Weight detail750 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximately 1,480 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual, UK store and Camera Museum; a Canon USA one-page specification chart instead lists approximately 1,440 g
Tripod mount–Included removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar
Lens hoodSupplied reversible ET-78II hoodET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storage
In the boxLens, E-72U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 case, ET-78II hood and user manual according to Canon UK's box listET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records April 1996 marketingMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018

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