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

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 85mm f/1.4L IS USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017April 2013
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 groups13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to CanonOne high-precision aspherical element
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments according to Canon's manual
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon–
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven 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; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view; EOS M use requires Mount Adapter EF-EOS M
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheetCanon extenders cannot be used
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 magnification0.12×0.36×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKLead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressed
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineElectronic manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubesMaximum 0.36× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.65–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× at 55 mm; both are incompatible at 18 mm
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to CanonCanon's manual and Japanese support specify 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 55 mm using an EOS 7D; the UK specification lists four stops. Automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power.
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.6 mm69 mm
Length105.4 mm75.2 mm
Weight950 g205 g
Zoom design–Most compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to 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 Canon69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKEW-63C hood and LP1016 pouch sold separately
In the boxLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UKE-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, instructions and warranty card according to Canon Japan
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not givenCanon Japan's support specification gives first sale on 12 April 2013, earlier than the announcement's promised late April; Camera Museum records April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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