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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L 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 USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1999April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–32
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight bladesSeven 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 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/8Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus overrideLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); 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 detail–Four-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 resistantNo–
Filter diameter67 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm66.5 mm
Length172 mm61.8 mm
Weight705 g215 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focus limiter, with full 1.2 m–infinity range or 3 m–infinity (ePHOTOzine)–
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Weather resistanceNot weather sealed according to The Digital Picture–
Dimensions detail76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
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-74EW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separately–
Release detailMarketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon 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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