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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L USM vs Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L USMCanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1999March 2016
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–36
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups16 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsOne UD and one aspherical element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments
DiaphragmEight bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
Adaptor support–Canon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Teleconverter supportCompatible with Canon EF1.4X and EF2X extenders; The Digital Picture notes EF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/5.6 and EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/8, with camera-dependent autofocus at f/8–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus overrideNano USM; Canon claims up to 4.3× the STM predecessor's focus-lens driving speed when focusing from minimum distance to infinity at 135 mm through the viewfinder
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmElectronic manual focusing requires an awake camera; manual override in One-Shot AF requires a half-pressed shutter and enabled electronic manual focusing (The Digital Picture)
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
Video features–Optional PZ-E1 power zoom adaptor attaches beneath the lens (The Digital Picture)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm77.4 mm
Length172 mm96 mm
Weight705 g515 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focus limiter, with full 1.2 m–infinity range or 3 m–infinity (ePHOTOzine)Focus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Extends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)
Weather resistanceNot weather sealed according to The Digital PictureNo full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)
Dimensions detail76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Weight detail705 g according to Canon's UK specifications and Camera Museum–
Tripod mountOptional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) at launch; The Digital Picture also identifies compatible A II (W)–
Lens hoodET-74Optional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the boxLens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separatelyLens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailMarketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

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