Canon EF 24–70mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 24–70mm f/4L IS USM compared with EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
CanonEF 24–70mm f/4L IS USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2012November 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length24–70 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction15 elements in 12 groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo aspherical and two UD elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; Canon also specifies easy-clean lens-element coatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 74°–29°; vertical 53°–19°30′; diagonal 84°–34°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 support–Not 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 distance0.2 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.7×0.12×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual overrideRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailNormal minimum focus 0.38 m; dedicated macro mode reaches 0.2 m according to Canon Camera Museum; approximately 3 cm working distance at maximum magnification (Bob Atkins)Internal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detailMaximum 0.21× in normal operation and 0.7× in the separate macro position beyond the telephoto endCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical IS claim; automatic panning detection; Hybrid IS compensates angular and shift movements in macro modeFour-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 diameter83.4 mm88.6 mm
Length93 mm105.4 mm
Weight600 g (better)950 g
ControlsMacro/zoom-lock switch; AF/MF and IS switches; focus ring, zoom ring and distance scaleAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Zoom designBarrel extends towards 70 mm; zoom lock operates at 24 mm (Bob Atkins)–
Weather resistanceSealed against dust and moistureDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
Dimensions detail83.4 mm maximum diameter × 93 mm length in the retracted state88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-83L hood; Canon lists LP1219 pouch as an accessorySupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the box–Lens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailMarketed in December 2012 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

More comparisons