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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 50mm f/1.2L USMCanonEF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2007June 1993
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in six groupsSeven elements in six groups
Special elementsLarge-diameter, high-precision aspherical glass element according to Canon's manual and Camera MuseumTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK's storeSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK
DiaphragmEight circular blades according to Canon Camera MuseumEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped down
Angle of view46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° vertical46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter supportEF 1.4X II and EF 2X II cannot be used according to Canon's manual–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayMicro USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detail–Overall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital Picture
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.67×; Canon recommends manual focus with extension tubesEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detail–No image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter85.8 mm73.8 mm
Length65.5 mm50.5 mm
Weight580 g290 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale, depth-of-field scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale and infrared index according to Canon's manual
Weather resistanceCanon's manual requires a separately sold 72 mm Canon PROTECT filter for dust and water resistance because the front element moves when focusing; without the filter it is not dust or water resistantNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
Dimensions detail85.8 mm diameter × 65.5 mm length according to Canon UK; manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm; Canon USA instead lists 85.4 mm diameter73.8 mm diameter × 50.5 mm length in the retracted state according to Canon UK; Canon's manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm
Weight detailCanon UK's specification page lists 580 g; its store, Canon Camera Museum and the manual list 590 g, while Canon USA lists 545 g lens-only; the manual states its weight excludes accessories290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual
Lens hoodSupplied ES-78 hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manual
In the boxLens, E-72U cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-78 hood, LP1214 case and user manual according to Canon UK's storeLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK's store
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon's 2021 retrospective record January 2007 release; the August 2006 Japanese announcement initially planned late November 2006Canon Camera Museum records June 1993 marketing

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