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Canon EF 24–70mm 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.

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CanonEF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2012April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–70 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical construction18 elements in 13 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, two UD elements and one Super UD elementAspherical lens element
CoatingsFluorine on the front surface of the first element and rear surface of the last elementSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame horizontal 74°–29°; vertical 53°–19°30′; diagonal 84°–34°Horizontal 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 cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.38 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual overrideLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; filter thread does not rotate during focusing (DPReview)Manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detailMaximum 0.21× at 70 mmMaximum 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 optical image stabilisation (DPReview and OpticalLimits)Four-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 resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm66.5 mm
Length113 mm61.8 mm
Weight805 g215 g
ControlsSeparate focus and zoom rings; zoom lock lever–
Zoom designLens extends when zoomed towards 70 mm; zoom lock holds the 24 mm position (DPReview)Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant structure at the mount, switch panel and zoom ring–
Dimensions detail88.5 mm maximum diameter × 113 mm length in the retracted state66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodEW-88CEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens, E-82 U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, EW-88C hood, LP1219 case and user manual–
Release detailMarketed in September 2012 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon 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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