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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 IICanonEF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1990July 1992
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical designNine elements in seven groups
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmFive bladesEight blades according to Canon
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°–
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
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.13×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)USM autofocus with full-time manual override according to Canon UK; Photozone identifies ring-type USM and rear focusing
Focus distance detailSwitch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocusLens length stays constant during focusing according to Photozone; front lens group does not rotate according to Canon Camera Museum
Magnification detail0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to Canon–
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (DPReview)No optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification
Design
Filter diameter52 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter68.2 mm75 mm
Length41 mm71.5 mm
Weight130 g425 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)AF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
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 caps75 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length; 425 g according to Canon Camera Museum
Weight detailApproximately 130 g lens only–
Lens hoodOptional ES-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storageHood is sold separately according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
In the boxFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by regionLens, E-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon Camera Museum records July 1992 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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