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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II 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/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 1996June 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length135 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical constructionTen elements in eight groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsTwo UD glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumOne fluorite and two UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmEight bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view15° horizontal, 10° vertical and 18° diagonal according to Canon UK–
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/4–
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M use with the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.9 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.27×
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 with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with constant length and a non-rotating filter thread according to Photozone and ePHOTOzineMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
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 specificationFive-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjects
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter82.5 mm80 mm
Length112 mm176 mm
Weight750 g780 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 three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World
Zoom design–Internal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera World
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model testDust- and moisture-resistant construction
Dimensions detail82.5 mm diameter × 112 mm length, excluding caps according to Canon's manual80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detail750 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount
Tripod mount–Optional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory
Lens hoodSupplied reversible ET-78II hood–
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 listLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records April 1996 marketingCanon Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.

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