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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 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 STMCanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2015September 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSix elements in five groups23 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
CoatingsLens coating optimised for digital cameras to reduce ghosting and flareAir Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces
Aperture detailMinimum f/22 with one-third-stop camera aperture increments–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame horizontal 40°; vertical 27°; diagonal 46°Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRsCanon 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
Adaptor supportCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.21×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailGear-type stepping motor; manual override after autofocus with the camera set to One-Shot AFRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailElectronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)Internal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Stabilisation detail–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
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×–
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter49 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter69.2 mm88.8 mm
Length39.3 mm199 mm
Weight160 g1,480 g
Controls–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
Dimensions detail69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state88.8 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 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 gApproximately 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-68ET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storage
In the boxLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manualET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual
Release detailMarketed in May 2015 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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