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Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 85mm f/1.2L II USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2006November 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups with a floating optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsGround aspherical lens according to Canon JapanHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UKAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular electromagnetic diaphragmNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
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 manualNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility with the EF-EOS M Mount AdapterCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.95 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.11×0.12×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
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 algorithmsRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
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 focusingInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
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×Canon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specificationFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter72 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter91.5 mm88.6 mm
Length84 mm105.4 mm
Weight1,025 g950 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance window, infrared index and depth-of-field scaleAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Filter detailFront screw-in filter; one filter at a time according to Canon's manual–
Weather resistanceCanon Japan explicitly lists no dust or drip resistanceDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK
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 cap88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Lens hoodSupplied ES-79 II clip-on hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxLens, E-72U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-79 II hood, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UKLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, 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 November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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