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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 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 USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2006April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–32
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsAspherical lens element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingsSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°Horizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
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
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 operationCanon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
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 CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter67 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm66.5 mm
Length172 mm61.8 mm
Weight760 g215 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 3 m–infinity–
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical lengthBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount–
Dimensions detail76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front without caps66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
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 storageEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens hood and pouch according to Canon's launch announcement; ET-74 and LP1224 models identified in the instruction manual–
Release detailMarketed in November 2006 according to Canon Camera Museum; the stabilised model was sold alongside the non-stabilised f/4 versionCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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