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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II 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

CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2018April 2013
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 groups13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two 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
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement–
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–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 support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.27×0.36×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus overrideLead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressed
Focus distance detailMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera WorldElectronic 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 detailFive-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjectsCanon'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 diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm69 mm
Length176 mm75.2 mm
Weight780 g205 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 WorldMost compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction–
Dimensions detail80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hood–EW-63C hood and LP1016 pouch sold separately
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 UKE-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, instructions and warranty card according to Canon Japan
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 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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