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Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 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 USMCanonEF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1989March 2016
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/16f/22–36
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups; floating optical system16 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsOne aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to CanonOne UD and one aspherical element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments
DiaphragmEight blades; non-rounded according to The Digital PictureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical according to Canon's manual–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
Adaptor support–Canon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.95 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.11×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash meteringNano USM; Canon claims up to 4.3× the STM predecessor's focus-lens driving speed when focusing from minimum distance to infinity at 135 mm through the viewfinder
Focus distance detailElectronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing according to The Digital PictureElectronic manual focusing requires an awake camera; manual override in One-Shot AF requires a half-pressed shutter and enabled electronic manual focusing (The Digital Picture)
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specificationsFour-stop optical Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
Video features–Optional PZ-E1 power zoom adaptor attaches beneath the lens (The Digital Picture)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter72 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter91.5 mm77.4 mm
Length84 mm96 mm
Weight1,025 g515 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markingsFocus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom design–Extends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)
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 specificationsNo full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)
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 fitted77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hoodES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storageOptional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the box–Lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is givenMarketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

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