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Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 200mm f/2.8L II USMCanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 19962016
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length200 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groupsSeventeen elements in twelve groups
Special elementsTwo UD glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumFour aspherical elements
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating; front and rear fluorine coating according to The Digital Picture
DiaphragmEight bladesTen blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view12° diagonal, 10° horizontal and 7° vertical84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF full-frame and APS-C DSLRs; EOS M cameras require an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual lists EF 1.4X II for 280 mm f/4 and EF 2X II for 400 mm f/5.6Canon's manual excludes extenders
Adaptor support–EF12 II gives 0.60–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.41–0.12× at 105 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 24 mm and gives 0.61–0.27× at 105 mm
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayUSM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AF
Focus distance detailClosest focus 1.5 m; limiter settings 1.5 m to infinity or 3.5 m to infinity according to Canon's manualInternal focusing according to The Digital Picture; Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusing
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.06–0.23×; EF25 II gives 0.14–0.32× according to Canon UK–
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital PictureCanon claims four-stop optical stabilisation. The exact manual describes automatic adjustment for still subjects and panning, with correction perpendicular to the panning direction
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter72 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.2 mm83.5 mm
Length136.2 mm118 mm
Weight765 g795 g
Controls–AF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, distance window, infrared index and transport lock at 24 mm
Zoom design–Extending barrel; zoom lock holds the shortest 24 mm position
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture and PhotozoneCanon UK describes dust and moisture sealing; the manual identifies a rubber mount ring. The Digital Picture recommends a protective filter to complete front sealing
Dimensions detail83.2 mm diameter × 136.2 mm length; Canon's manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm for E-72U or 24.2 mm for E-72IIMaximum diameter × retracted length; size and 795 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 24.2 mm to length according to Canon's manual
Weight detail765 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual–
Tripod mountOptional Tripod Mount Ring A II (B) according to Canon's manual–
Lens hoodDetachable ET-83BII hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualEW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storage
In the boxThe Digital Picture's reviewed lens included the ET-83BII hood and LP1222 pouchLens, E-77 II front cap, Dust Lens Cap E, EW-83M hood, LP1219 case and manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records March 1996 marketing for the II versionCanon Camera Museum's exact-model table records October 2016 marketing; its later RF 24–105mm page retrospectively says November 2016. The year is used because the maker gives conflicting months without explaining a regional difference

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