Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM compared with EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS
CanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USMCanonEF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS
Overview
Released2016September 2008
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm18–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in twelve groups16 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsFour aspherical elementsTwo UD and two glass-moulded aspherical elements according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating; front and rear fluorine coating according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmTen blades with a circular apertureSix blades with a circular aperture; minimum f/22–36 according to Canon Camera Museum, while Canon Japan's later specification table lists f/22–38
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalHorizontal 64°30′–6°30′, vertical 45°30′–4°20′, diagonal 74°20′–7°50′ according to Canon Japan
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 approximately 29–320 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes extendersCanon extenders are not compatible according to Canon Japan
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 confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.24×
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 AFConventional DC autofocus motor, without full-time manual focus override, according to Photozone
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to The Digital Picture; Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusingInternal focusing with a non-rotating front filter thread; focus ring rotates during autofocus according to Photozone
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.24× at 200 mm according to Canon Japan
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; automatic distinction between normal and panning shots
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm78.6 mm
Length118 mm102 mm
Weight795 g595 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, distance window, infrared index and transport lock at 24 mmAF/MF and stabiliser switches; focus and zoom rings; zoom transport lock at 18 mm
Zoom designExtending barrel; zoom lock holds the shortest 24 mm positionExtending double-trombone barrel 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 manual78.6 mm maximum diameter × 102 mm length; approximately 595 g according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storageEW-78D hood and LP1116 pouch are optional accessories according to Canon Japan
In the boxLens, E-77 II front cap, Dust Lens Cap E, EW-83M hood, LP1219 case and manual according to Canon UKLens, E-72 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user 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 records September 2008 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 26 August and first sale on 27 September 2008; a UK first-sale day is not established by these sources

More comparisons