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Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USMCanonEF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Overview
Released2016May 2015
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length24–105 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in twelve groupsSix elements in five groups
Special elementsFour aspherical elements–
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating; front and rear fluorine coating according to The Digital PictureLens coating optimised for digital cameras to reduce ghosting and flare
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 with one-third-stop camera aperture increments
DiaphragmTen blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalFull-frame horizontal 40°; vertical 27°; diagonal 46°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C DSLRs; EOS M cameras require an EF-EOS M mount adaptorCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRs
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes extenders–
Adaptor supportEF12 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 mmCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.21×
Optical stabilisationYes–
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFGear-type stepping motor; manual override after autofocus with the camera set to One-Shot AF
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to The Digital Picture; Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusingElectronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)
Magnification detail–EF12 II extension tube gives 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×
Stabilisation detailCanon 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 resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm69.2 mm
Length118 mm39.3 mm
Weight795 g160 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, distance window, infrared index and transport lock at 24 mm–
Zoom designExtending barrel; zoom lock holds the shortest 24 mm position–
Weather resistanceCanon 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 detailMaximum diameter × retracted length; size and 795 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 24.2 mm to length according to Canon's manual69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detail–Approximately 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 g
Lens hoodEW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storageOptional ES-68
In the boxLens, E-77 II front cap, Dust Lens Cap E, EW-83M hood, LP1219 case and manual according to Canon UKLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon 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 differenceMarketed in May 2015 according to Canon Camera Museum

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