Request a product

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 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/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to CanonAspherical lens element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to CanonSuper Spectra coatings
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′ according to the exact Canon manual
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
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 magnification0.12×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element 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 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to CanonFour-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; 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 mm66.5 mm
Length105.4 mm61.8 mm
Weight950 g215 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm 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 Canon66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
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's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

More comparisons