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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2018September 1989
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length70–200 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/32f/16
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groupsEight elements in seven groups; floating optical system
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsOne aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement–
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureEight blades; non-rounded according to The Digital Picture
Angle of view–28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical according to Canon's manual
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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1 m0.95 m
Maximum magnification0.27×0.11×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus overrideUSM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash metering
Focus distance detailMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera WorldElectronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing according to The Digital Picture
Stabilisation detailFive-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjectsNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm91.5 mm
Length176 mm84 mm
Weight780 g1,025 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera WorldAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Filter detail–Front screw-in filter; Canon's manual permits one filter at a time
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera World–
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant constructionNot weather sealed according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications
Dimensions detail80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Canon's manual gives a further 21.5 mm with both caps fitted
Lens hood–ES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storage
Weight detailApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount–
Tripod mountOptional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory–
In the boxLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.Canon Camera Museum records September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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