Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS 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/1.4L IS USM compared with EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
CanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USMCanonEF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017July 1992
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length85 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon–
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to CanonSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureEight blades according to Canon
Angle of view28°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 supportNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet–
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount AdapterCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.85 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.12×0.13×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKUSM autofocus with full-time manual override according to Canon UK; Photozone identifies ring-type USM and rear focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineLens length stays constant during focusing according to Photozone; front lens group does not rotate according to Canon Camera Museum
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes–
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to CanonNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.6 mm75 mm
Length105.4 mm71.5 mm
Weight950 g425 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markingsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UK–
Dimensions detail88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon75 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length; 425 g according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKHood is sold separately according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
In the boxLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UKLens, E-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not givenCanon Camera Museum records July 1992 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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