Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II 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

EF 50mm f/1.8 II compared with EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 IICanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1990November 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical designFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elements–High-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmFive bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
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 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 detailDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)Ring USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailSwitch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocusInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detail0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to CanonCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (DPReview)Four-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter52 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter68.2 mm88.6 mm
Length41 mm105.4 mm
Weight130 g (better)950 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Weather resistance–Dust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
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 caps88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Weight detailApproximately 130 g lens only–
Lens hoodOptional ES-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storageSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by regionLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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