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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L 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 50mm f/1.2L USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2007June 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/4
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Optical constructionEight elements in six groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsLarge-diameter, high-precision aspherical glass element according to Canon's manual and Camera MuseumOne fluorite and two UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK's storeSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmEight circular blades according to Canon Camera MuseumNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view46° 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 mount 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 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.27×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayRing-type USM with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detail–Maximum 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
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.67×; Canon recommends manual focus with extension tubes–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter85.8 mm80 mm
Length65.5 mm176 mm
Weight580 g780 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale, depth-of-field scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualAF/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 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 resistantDust- and moisture-resistant construction
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 diameter80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
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 accessoriesApproximate 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
Lens hoodSupplied ES-78 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, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon's 2021 retrospective record January 2007 release; the August 2006 Japanese announcement initially planned late November 2006Canon 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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