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Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

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

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CanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
Released2005November 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length24–105 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionEighteen elements in thirteen groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising two replica and one glass-moulded element, plus one Super UD elementHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° vertical28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes EF1.4X II and EF2X II extendersNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor supportEF12 II extension tube gives 0.60–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.40–0.12× 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 Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.23×0.12×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailInternal focusing without front-element rotation according to The Digital PictureInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detail–Canon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detailCanon claims stabilisation equivalent to a shutter speed three stops faster. The manual cautions that stabilisation may be less effective when panning and cannot compensate for subject movementFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm88.6 mm
Length107 mm105.4 mm
Weight670 g950 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF and stabilisation switches, distance window and infrared focus indexAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Zoom designExtending barrel with rotary zoom control according to both reviews–
Weather resistanceCanon's manual describes a sealed structure and rubber mount ring for dust and drip resistance. The Digital Picture recommends a protective filter to complete protectionDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × length; size and 670 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 21.5 mm to length according to Canon's manual88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-83H petal hood, reversible for storageSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxLens, EW-83H hood and soft pouch according to The Digital PictureLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum's exact-model table records October 2005 marketing. Its later EF 24–105mm IS STM page retrospectively describes this lens as released in September 2005; no first-sale day or explanation for the month difference is givenCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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