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Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USMCanonEF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017May 2006
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm17–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups19 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to CanonThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon Japan
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to CanonSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° verticalHorizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′
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; equivalent angle of view to 27–88 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheetCanon extenders are not compatible
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 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.12×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UK
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineInternal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to Photozone
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubesMaximum 0.17× at 55 mm according to Canon Japan; EF12 II extension tube and 500D close-up lens supported, 250D close-up lens not supported
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to CanonCanon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBIS
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.6 mm83.5 mm
Length105.4 mm110.6 mm
Weight950 g645 g
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markingsAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ring
Zoom design–Extends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistance according to Canon UKCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance
Dimensions detail88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 mm length according to Canon
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKEW-83J hood and LP1219 pouch are optional accessories; Canon UK's box list includes neither. Canon Camera Museum's price table says case and built-in hood, conflicting with the UK package and separately listed removable EW-83J hood
In the boxLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UKLens, E77II 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 May 2006 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 22 February and Japanese first sale on 31 May 2006; a separately established UK first-sale day is not published in these sources.

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