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Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1989April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/16f/22–32
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups; floating optical system12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsOne aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to CanonAspherical lens element
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
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 manualHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to the exact Canon manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.95 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.11×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash meteringLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailElectronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing according to The Digital PictureManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specificationsFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter72 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter91.5 mm66.5 mm
Length84 mm61.8 mm
Weight1,025 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
ControlsAF/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 fitted66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storageEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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