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Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L USM 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

CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 1995November 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length70–200 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical construction18 elements in 15 groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsFour UD elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmEight bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 29°–10°; vertical 19°30′–7°; diagonal 34°–12°28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportCanon Extender EF1.4X gives 98–280 mm f/4; EF2X gives 140–400 mm f/5.6, with autofocus supported according to CanonNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor supportCanon Extension Tube EF12 II gives 0.22–0.06× magnification; EF25 II gives 0.41–0.14×Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.12×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focusingRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; non-rotating front filter thread; minimum 1.5 m focus and maximum 0.16× magnification at 200 mmInternal 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 detailNo optical image stabilisation (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Four-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter84.6 mm88.6 mm
Length193.6 mm105.4 mm
Weight1,310 g950 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus-range limiter, focus and zoom rings (The Digital Picture)AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains the physical length throughout the zoom range (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)–
Weather resistanceCanon states water and dust resistance; The Digital Picture describes partial sealing around switches and rings, with no lens-mount gasket and a front filter needed for sealingDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
Dimensions detail84.6 mm maximum diameter × 193.6 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
Tripod mountIncluded tripod collar (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)–
In the boxLens hood and case (Canon); lens caps and tripod collar (ePHOTOzine)Lens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailMarketed in March 1995 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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