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Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L 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 24–70mm f/2.8L USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2002November 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length24–70 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo aspherical elements and one 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 viewDiagonal 84°–34°; vertical 53°–19°30′; horizontal 74°–29°28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders are incompatibleNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.38 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.29×0.12×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM (OpticalLimits); manual override after autofocus in One-Shot AF with the shutter button held halfwayRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detail0.38 m minimum focus throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.29× magnification at 70 mm; non-rotating front filter thread (ePHOTOzine and OpticalLimits)Internal 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 detailNo optical image stabilisation (ePHOTOzine)Four-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 diameter83.2 mm88.6 mm
Length123.5 mm105.4 mm
Weight950 g950 g
ControlsFocus mode switch, focus ring, zoom ring, distance scale and infrared indexAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Zoom designReverse zoom mechanism; longest at 24 mm and shortest at 70 mm, with the hood enclosing the moving front section (OpticalLimits)–
Weather resistanceDust- and drip-resistant seal structure; rubber ring around the lens mountDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
Dimensions detail83.2 mm maximum diameter × 123.5 mm length; maker dimensions and weight are for the lens alone, excluding caps88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-83F; can be reversed for storageSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxE-77U front cap, rear cap, EW-83F hood and LP1219 lens case (manual accessory names; ePHOTOzine box contents)Lens, 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 original-model table records November 2002; its later Mark II retrospective instead refers to September 2002Canon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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