Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 85mm f/1.2L USM compared with EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
CanonEF 85mm f/1.2L USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1989July 1992
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups; floating optical systemNine elements in seven groups
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
Special elementsOne aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to Canon–
DiaphragmEight blades; non-rounded according to The Digital PictureEight blades according to Canon
Angle of view28°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
Adaptor support–Canon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.95 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.11×0.13×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash meteringUSM autofocus with full-time manual override according to Canon UK; Photozone identifies ring-type USM and rear focusing
Focus distance detailElectronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing according to The Digital PictureLens length stays constant during focusing according to Photozone; front lens group does not rotate according to Canon Camera Museum
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specificationsNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter91.5 mm75 mm
Length84 mm71.5 mm
Weight1,025 g425 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markingsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Filter detailFront screw-in filter; Canon's manual permits one filter at a time–
Weather 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. Canon's manual gives a further 21.5 mm with both caps fitted75 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length; 425 g according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hoodES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storageHood is sold separately according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
In the box–Lens, E-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Camera Museum records July 1992 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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