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Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 50mm f/1.4 USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Overview
ReleasedJune 1993September 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groups23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Special elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumOne fluorite and five UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKAir Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces
DiaphragmEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped downEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° verticalDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
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 support–EF1.4X III gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.30× maximum magnification; EF2X III gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.44×; autofocus remains available but is slower
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMicro USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital PictureInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UK–
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableUp to 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; Canon notes tripod results depend on the tripod and shooting conditions
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter58 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter73.8 mm88.8 mm
Length50.5 mm199 mm
Weight290 g1,480 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinity
Zoom design–Internal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount
Dimensions detail73.8 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 mm88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps
Weight detail290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximately 1,480 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual, UK store and Camera Museum; a Canon USA one-page specification chart instead lists approximately 1,440 g
Tripod mount–Included removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar
Lens hoodOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storage
In the boxLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK's storeET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records June 1993 marketingMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018

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