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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

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

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CanonEF 50mm f/1.2L USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2007November 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in six groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsLarge-diameter, high-precision aspherical glass element according to Canon's manual and Camera MuseumHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK's storeAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmEight circular blades according to Canon Camera MuseumNine blades with a circular aperture
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 manualNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.12×
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 USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.67×; Canon recommends manual focus with extension tubesCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter72 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter85.8 mm88.6 mm
Length65.5 mm105.4 mm
Weight580 g950 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale, depth-of-field scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
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 resistance according to Canon UK
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 diameter88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
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 ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxLens, E-72U cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-78 hood, LP1214 case and user manual according to Canon UK's storeLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, 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 2006Canon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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