Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 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 compared with EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
CanonEF 50mm f/1.8CanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 1987November 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
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmFive bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF lens for full-frame and APS-C cameras (Bob Atkins Photography)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 stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailMicromotor autofocusRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detail–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 diameter52 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter67.4 mm88.6 mm
Length42.5 mm105.4 mm
Weight190 g (better)950 g
ControlsFocusing-distance window and separate manual-focus ring; metal lens mount and infrared focus index (Bob Atkins Photography)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 detail67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Lens hood–Supplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the box–Lens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailReleased alongside the EOS 650 in March 1987, confirmed by Canon's retrospective EOS anniversary releaseCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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