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Canon EF 35mm f/2 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/2CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 1990June 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSeven elements in five groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elements–One fluorite and two UD elements
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmFive blades according to Canon Camera MuseumNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's manual–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.23×0.27×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailNon-USM autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; Canon's manual requires the MF switch position for manual focusRing-type USM with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailLens extends towards close focus but its front element does not rotate according to PhotozoneMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableFive-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 diameter52 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter67.4 mm80 mm
Length42.5 mm176 mm
Weight210 g780 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus 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 The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableDust- and moisture-resistant construction
Dimensions detail67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length; dimensions and 210 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detail–Approximate 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-65 II clip-on reversible hood according to Canon's manual; optional according to Photozone and The Digital Picture–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 1990 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon 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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