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Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 1996April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length200 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–32
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo UD glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view12° diagonal, 10° horizontal and 7° verticalHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual lists EF 1.4X II for 280 mm f/4 and EF 2X II for 400 mm f/5.6Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.25×
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 halfwayLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailClosest focus 1.5 m; limiter settings 1.5 m to infinity or 3.5 m to infinity according to Canon's manualManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.06–0.23×; EF25 II gives 0.14–0.32× according to Canon UKMaximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital PictureFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter83.2 mm66.5 mm
Length136.2 mm61.8 mm
Weight765 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture and Photozone–
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-72II66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
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-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxThe Digital Picture's reviewed lens included the ET-83BII hood and LP1222 pouch–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records March 1996 marketing for the II versionCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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