Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM compared with EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018April 2013
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–36
Optical construction23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and five UD elementsOne high-precision aspherical element
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments according to Canon's manual
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view; EOS M use requires Mount Adapter EF-EOS M
Teleconverter supportEF1.4X 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 slowerCanon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.36×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayLead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressed
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmElectronic manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.36× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.65–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× at 55 mm; both are incompatible at 18 mm
Stabilisation detailUp 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 conditionsCanon's manual and Japanese support specify 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 55 mm using an EOS 7D; the UK specification lists four stops. Automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power.
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.8 mm69 mm
Length199 mm75.2 mm
Weight1,480 g205 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinity–
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)Most compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount–
Dimensions detail88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Weight detailApproximately 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 mountIncluded removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar–
Lens hoodET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storageEW-63C hood and LP1016 pouch sold separately
In the boxET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manualE-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, instructions and warranty card according to Canon Japan
Release detailMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018Canon Japan's support specification gives first sale on 12 April 2013, earlier than the announcement's promised late April; Camera Museum records April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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