Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM 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 STM compared with EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2015November 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSix elements in five groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elements–High-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsLens coating optimised for digital cameras to reduce ghosting and flareAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
Aperture detailMinimum f/22 with one-third-stop camera aperture increments–
DiaphragmSeven blades with a circular apertureNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame horizontal 40°; vertical 27°; diagonal 46°28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter support–Not compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor supportCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptorCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.12×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailGear-type stepping motor; manual override after autofocus with the camera set to One-Shot AFRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailElectronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)Internal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×Canon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detail–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 diameter49 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter69.2 mm88.6 mm
Length39.3 mm105.4 mm
Weight160 g (better)950 g
Controls–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
Dimensions detail69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Weight detailApproximately 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 g–
Lens hoodOptional ES-68Supplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manualLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailMarketed in May 2015 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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