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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II

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 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II
Overview
ReleasedJune 2018March 2005
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–36
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groups11 elements in nine groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsAspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement–
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.27×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus overrideMicromotor autofocus; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detailMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera WorldFront element rotates during focusing; narrow manual focus grip on the extending front barrel according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.28× at 55 mm according to The Digital Picture; Canon Camera Museum confirms 0.28× maximum magnification
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
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm68.5 mm
Length176 mm66 mm
Weight780 g190 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World–
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera WorldShortest around 35 mm; extends towards both ends of the zoom range according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction–
Dimensions detail80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hood–EW-60C hood and LP814 pouch sold separately according to The Digital Picture
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 March 2005 marketing with the EOS 350D. No separately verified UK first-sale day is published in these sources.

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