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Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM

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-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
Released2016October 2009
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm15–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in twelve groups17 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsFour aspherical elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element according to Canon Japan
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating; front and rear fluorine coating according to The Digital PictureCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flare
DiaphragmTen blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalHorizontal 74°10′–15°25′, vertical 53°30′–10°25′, diagonal 84°30′–18°25′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C DSLRs; EOS M cameras require an EF-EOS M mount adaptorCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 24–136 mm on full frame
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 mm–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.21×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFRing-type USM with full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to The Digital Picture; Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusingInternal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Stabilisation detailCanon claims four-stop optical stabilisation. The exact manual describes automatic adjustment for still subjects and panning, with correction perpendicular to the panning directionCanon states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; The Digital Picture's tested example achieved four stops at 85 mm and 4⅓ at 15 mm
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm81.6 mm
Length118 mm87.5 mm
Weight795 g575 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, distance window, infrared index and transport lock at 24 mmAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance window
Zoom designExtending barrel; zoom lock holds the shortest 24 mm positionExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to Photozone
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 manual81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storageOptional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon Japan
In the boxLens, E-77 II front cap, Dust Lens Cap E, EW-83M hood, LP1219 case and manual according to Canon UK–
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 differenceCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan's exact-model support sheet both record October 2009 release. No separately established UK first-sale day is given by these sources.

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