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Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

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

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CanonEF 85mm f/1.2L II USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2006September 1989
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups with a floating optical constructionEight elements in seven groups; floating optical system
Special elementsGround aspherical lens according to Canon JapanOne aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular electromagnetic diaphragmEight blades; non-rounded according to The Digital Picture
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical according to Canon's manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders cannot be used according to the manual–
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility with the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.95 m0.95 m
Maximum magnification0.11×0.11×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus; Canon claims up to 1.8× the autofocus speed of the original EF 85mm f/1.2L USM using a faster CPU and revised algorithmsUSM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash metering
Focus distance detailElectronic manual focusing; full-time override after One-Shot AF while half-pressing the shutter, with camera and mode exceptions listed in the manual. The Digital Picture confirms camera power is required and the lens extends when focusingElectronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing according to The Digital Picture
Magnification detailCanon manual gives EF12 II tube magnification 0.15–0.25×, EF25 II 0.33–0.42× and 500D close-up lens 0.17–0.28×–
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specificationNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter91.5 mm91.5 mm
Length84 mm84 mm
Weight1,025 g1,025 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance window, infrared index and depth-of-field scaleAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Filter detailFront screw-in filter; one filter at a time according to Canon's manualFront screw-in filter; Canon's manual permits one filter at a time
Weather resistanceCanon Japan explicitly lists no dust or drip resistanceNot weather sealed according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications
Dimensions detail91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Add 21.5 mm with E-72U and rear cap, or 24.2 mm with E-72 II and rear cap91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Canon's manual gives a further 21.5 mm with both caps fitted
Lens hoodSupplied ES-79 II clip-on hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storage
In the boxLens, E-72U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-79 II hood, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailMarch 2006 sale month confirmed by Canon Camera Museum and Japan support. Canon explicitly identifies this model as the successor to the September 1989 EF 85mm f/1.2L USMCanon Camera Museum records September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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