Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| CanonEF 85mm f/1.2L USM | CanonEF 85mm f/1.8 USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | September 1989 | July 1992 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | Eight elements in seven groups; floating optical system | Nine elements in seven groups |
| Coatings | – | Super Spectra coatings according to Canon UK |
| Special elements | One aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to Canon | – |
| Diaphragm | Eight blades; non-rounded according to The Digital Picture | Eight blades according to Canon |
| Angle of view | 28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical according to Canon's manual | – |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Compatibility | Canon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors | Canon 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 | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.95 m | 0.85 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.11× | 0.13× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | No |
| Autofocus detail | USM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash metering | USM autofocus with full-time manual override according to Canon UK; Photozone identifies ring-type USM and rear focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Electronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing according to The Digital Picture | Lens length stays constant during focusing according to Photozone; front lens group does not rotate according to Canon Camera Museum |
| Stabilisation detail | No optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications | No optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | No | – |
| Filter diameter | 72 mm | 58 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 91.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Length | 84 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Weight | 1,025 g | 425 g (better) |
| Controls | AF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings | AF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings |
| Filter detail | Front screw-in filter; Canon's manual permits one filter at a time | – |
| Weather resistance | Not weather sealed according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications | – |
| Dimensions detail | 91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Canon's manual gives a further 21.5 mm with both caps fitted | 75 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length; 425 g according to Canon Camera Museum |
| Lens hood | ES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storage | Hood 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 detail | Canon Camera Museum records September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is given | Canon Camera Museum records July 1992 marketing; a first-sale day is not given |
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