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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS

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 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS
Overview
ReleasedJune 2018November 2007
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm55–250 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–32
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groups12 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsUD glass element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcementSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon's European announcement
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
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; 88–400 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used according to The Digital Picture
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1 m1.1 m
Maximum magnification0.27×0.31×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual focus overrideMicro Motor autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; focus ring rotates during autofocus
Focus distance detailMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera WorldMinimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; front element rotates 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 subjectsFour-stop launch claim based on 1/(focal length × 1.6) shutter speed; automatic panning detection according to Canon's European announcement
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm70 mm
Length176 mm108 mm
Weight780 g390 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 WorldBarrel extends during zooming and focusing according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction–
Dimensions detail80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm lengthCanon gives 70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length
Lens hood–ET-60 hood sold separately according to The Digital Picture; LP1019 pouch also optional
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 November 2007 introduction. The Japanese announcement originally scheduled late October 2007 availability; this was a planned date rather than the Museum's recorded introduction. The Digital Picture tested a Canadian retail sample in November 2007 and notes the later US announcement.

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