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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS 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-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2018October 2009
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm15–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–36
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groups17 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element according to Canon Japan
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcementCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flare
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–Horizontal 74°10′–15°25′, vertical 53°30′–10°25′, diagonal 84°30′–18°25′
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; equivalent angle of view to 24–136 mm on full frame
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.27×0.21×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus overrideRing-type USM with full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Focus distance detailMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera WorldInternal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and 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 subjectsCanon states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; The Digital Picture's tested example achieved four stops at 85 mm and 4⅓ at 15 mm
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm81.6 mm
Length176 mm87.5 mm
Weight780 g575 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera WorldAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance window
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera WorldExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to Photozone
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction–
Dimensions detail80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length according to Canon
Lens hood–Optional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon Japan
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 and Canon Japan's exact-model support sheet both record October 2009 release. No separately established UK first-sale day is given by these sources.

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