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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L 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 85mm f/1.2L II USM
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2007March 2006
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionEight elements in six groupsEight elements in seven groups with a floating optical construction
Special elementsLarge-diameter, high-precision aspherical glass element according to Canon's manual and Camera MuseumGround aspherical lens according to Canon Japan
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK's storeSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmEight circular blades according to Canon Camera MuseumEight blades with a circular electromagnetic diaphragm
Angle of view46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° vertical28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportEF 1.4X II and EF 2X II cannot be used according to Canon's manualCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders cannot be used according to the manual
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility with the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.95 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.11×
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 halfwayUSM autofocus; Canon claims up to 1.8× the autofocus speed of the original EF 85mm f/1.2L USM using a faster CPU and revised algorithms
Focus distance detail–Electronic manual focusing; full-time override after One-Shot AF while half-pressing the shutter, with camera and mode exceptions listed in the manual. The Digital Picture confirms camera power is required and the lens extends when focusing
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.67×; Canon recommends manual focus with extension tubesCanon manual gives EF12 II tube magnification 0.15–0.25×, EF25 II 0.33–0.42× and 500D close-up lens 0.17–0.28×
Stabilisation detail–No optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter85.8 mm91.5 mm
Length65.5 mm84 mm
Weight580 g1,025 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 window, infrared index and depth-of-field scale
Filter detail–Front screw-in filter; one filter at a time 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 resistantCanon Japan explicitly lists no dust or drip resistance
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 diameter91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Add 21.5 mm with E-72U and rear cap, or 24.2 mm with E-72 II and rear cap
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 accessories–
Lens hoodSupplied ES-78 hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualSupplied ES-79 II clip-on 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-72U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-79 II hood, LP1219 pouch and user 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 2006March 2006 sale month confirmed by Canon Camera Museum and Japan support. Canon explicitly identifies this model as the successor to the September 1989 EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

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