Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II

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-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II
CanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017March 2005
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups11 elements in nine groups
Special elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to CanonAspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon–
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical–
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
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 Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.85 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.12×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKMicromotor autofocus; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineFront element rotates during focusing; narrow manual focus grip on the extending front barrel according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubesMaximum 0.28× at 55 mm according to The Digital Picture; Canon Camera Museum confirms 0.28× maximum magnification
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 The Digital Picture
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.6 mm68.5 mm
Length105.4 mm66 mm
Weight950 g190 g (better)
Zoom design–Shortest around 35 mm; extends towards both ends of the zoom range according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
ControlsAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual 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 Canon68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKEW-60C hood and LP814 pouch sold separately according to The Digital Picture
In the boxLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch 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 March 2005 marketing with the EOS 350D. No separately verified UK first-sale day is published in these sources.

More comparisons