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Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS 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 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedJune 1993November 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
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° 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 support–Not 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 detailMicro 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 detailOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital PictureInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UKCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter58 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter73.8 mm88.6 mm
Length50.5 mm105.4 mm
Weight290 g950 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance 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 resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
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 mm88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Weight detail290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual–
Lens hoodOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E 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 records June 1993 marketingCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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