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Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24mm f/1.4L USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1997April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length24 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups; floating optical system12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsGround and polished aspherical glass element and UD element according to Canon Camera MuseumAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmSeven-blade circular aperture according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view84° diagonal, 74° horizontal and 53° vertical according to Canon's manualHorizontal 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 full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual focus; Canon's manual specifies One-Shot AF with the shutter button held halfway for manual adjustment after autofocusLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailRear focusing system with non-rotating filter frame according to Canon Camera MuseumManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 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 stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableFour-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 resistantNo–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm66.5 mm
Length77.4 mm61.8 mm
Weight550 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and infrared focus index–
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table–
Dimensions detail83.5 mm maximum diameter × 77.4 mm length; dimensions and 550 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodSupplied reversible EW-83D II petal hood; LP1214 case according to Canon's manual and The Digital PictureEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1997 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon 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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