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Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 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/1.4 USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedJune 1993June 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumOne fluorite and two UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped downNine 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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.27×
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 with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital PictureMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
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 tableFive-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjects
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter58 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter73.8 mm80 mm
Length50.5 mm176 mm
Weight290 g780 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance 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 resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableDust- and moisture-resistant construction
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 mm80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detail290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximate 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 hoodOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manual–
In the boxLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK's storeLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records June 1993 marketingCanon 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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