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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 35mm f/1.4L USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1998June 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionEleven elements in nine groups, with a floating system for close and medium distances20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera MuseumOne fluorite and two UD elements
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera MuseumNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact manual–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.27×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailRear focusing with ring USM; full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway, according to Canon's manualRing-type USM with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailNon-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length according to PhotozoneMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
Stabilisation detail–Five-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjects
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter79 mm80 mm
Length86 mm176 mm
Weight580 g780 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared indexAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World
Zoom design–Internal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera World
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to Photozone's exact-model testDust- and moisture-resistant construction
Dimensions detailCanon's manual specifies 79 × 86 mm; its Museum table gives 72 × 86 mm; the manual dimensions are used here80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detail580 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual; caps add 21.5 mm to the listed lengthApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount
Tripod mount–Optional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory
In the box–Lens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Lens hoodEW-78C reversible hood and LP1214 pouch identified by Canon's manual; The Digital Picture confirms both supplied in its reviewed box–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1998 marketingCanon Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.

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