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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

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

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CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 IICanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1990September 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical design23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Special elements–One fluorite and five UD elements
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces
DiaphragmFive bladesEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount for full-frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras (DPReview)Canon 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 detailDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)Ring-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailSwitch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocusInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Magnification detail0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to Canon–
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (DPReview)Up 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 resistant–Yes
Filter diameter52 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter68.2 mm88.8 mm
Length41 mm199 mm
Weight130 g1,480 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)AF/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 resistance–Dust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount
Filter detailOne 52 mm front filter; with the optional hood, mount the filter on the hood adaptor–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front of the lens, excluding caps88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps
Weight detailApproximately 130 g lens onlyApproximately 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-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storageET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storage
In the boxFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by regionET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual
Release detailMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarketed 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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