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Canon EF 80–200mm f/2.8L 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 80–200mm f/2.8LCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1989April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length80–200 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–32
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elements–Aspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–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 supportNot compatible with Canon EF extenders according to Bob AtkinsCanon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.8 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.13×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailAutofocus without USM or full-time manual override according to Bob Atkins; Ken Rockwell identifies an Arc Form Drive motorLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailNon-rotating front during focusing according to Bob Atkins; internal focusing according to Ken RockwellManual 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 detailNo optical image stabilisation according to Ken RockwellFour-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
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter84 mm66.5 mm
Length185.7 mm61.8 mm
Weight–215 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings; focus limiter and manual focus switch according to Bob Atkins–
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length according to Ken RockwellBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail84 mm maximum diameter × 185.7 mm length66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Weight detailCanon Camera Museum specifies 1,330 g without identifying whether the collar is included. Ken Rockwell measures 1,276.4 g without the collar and 1,411.95 g with it; these are sample measurements, not the maker's lens-only figure.–
Tripod mountRemovable tripod collar according to Bob Atkins–
Lens hoodSupplied hood according to Bob Atkins; Ken Rockwell identifies ES-79EW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens hood and hard case according to Bob Atkins–
Release detailMarketed in September 1989 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon identifies the March 1995 EF 70–200mm f/2.8L USM as its successorCanon 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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