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

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 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017September 2007
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 CanonPrecision aspherical element
Aperture detail–Canon Camera Museum lists minimum f/22–36; Canon Japan support lists f/22–38
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon–
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSix blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° verticalHorizontal 64°30′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–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
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 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.12×0.34×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKGeared DC motor according to Canon Japan; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineFront element rotates and extends during focusing; select MF before using the narrow manual focus ring according to The Digital Picture and Photozone
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubesMaximum 0.34× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.64–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× according to Canon Japan
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to CanonFour-stop launch claim based on a shutter speed of 1/(focal length × 1.6) seconds; automatic panning detection according to Canon Japan. Photozone and The Digital Picture report approximately three stops in their tests.
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.6 mm68.5 mm
Length105.4 mm70 mm
Weight950 g200 g
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 × 70 mm length
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKEW-60C hood and LP814 case sold separately according to Canon Japan
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 Japan records September 2007 first sale after the August announcement; Canon Camera Museum also records September 2007 marketing. No separately verified UK first-sale day is published in these sources.

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