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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2006November 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length70–200 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportEF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/5.6 and 0.31× maximum magnification with autofocus; EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/8 and 0.45×, with autofocus limited to compatible bodies and slower operationNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.12×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
Magnification detail–Canon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detailFour-stop launch claim based on a shutter speed of 1/focal length; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; manual recommends switching off on a tripod to save battery powerFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm88.6 mm
Length172 mm105.4 mm
Weight760 g950 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 3 m–infinityAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length–
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mountDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
Dimensions detail76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front without caps88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Weight detail760 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual–
Tripod mountOptional A II (W) tripod mount ring; collar can be removed while the lens remains attached to the camera–
Lens hoodET-74, reversible for storageSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxLens hood and pouch according to Canon's launch announcement; ET-74 and LP1224 models identified in the instruction manualLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailMarketed in November 2006 according to Canon Camera Museum; the stabilised model was sold alongside the non-stabilised f/4 versionCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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