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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS 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 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS II
Overview
ReleasedJune 2018July 2011
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 UK launch announcement
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–Horizontal 23°20′–5°20′; vertical 15°40′–3°30′; diagonal 27°50′–6°15′
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–EF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual
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 overrideMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF mode
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; maximum 0.31× magnification at 250 mm; front and focus ring rotate during autofocus according to Ken Rockwell
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; automatically compensates across the direction of panning; manual recommends switching IS off on a tripod to save battery
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 towards longer focal lengths according to Ken Rockwell
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction–
Dimensions detail80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length from the mount to the lens front without caps
Weight detailApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mountApproximate 390 g lens-only figure in Canon's instruction manual
Lens hood–Optional ET-60; reversible for storage
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 UKFront and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as optional
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's UK launch announcement give July 2011 first availability. Canon identifies the 2007 EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS as its predecessor; the II retains its optical design and changes the exterior.

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