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Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 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 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017November 2007
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm55–250 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups12 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to CanonUD glass element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to CanonSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon's European announcement
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
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; 88–400 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheetCanon extenders cannot be used according to The Digital Picture
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.85 m1.1 m
Maximum magnification0.12×0.31×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UKMicro Motor autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; focus ring rotates during autofocus
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineMinimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; front element rotates during focusing according to The Digital Picture
Magnification detailCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes–
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 1/(focal length × 1.6) shutter speed; automatic panning detection according to Canon's European announcement
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.6 mm70 mm
Length105.4 mm108 mm
Weight950 g390 g
Zoom design–Barrel extends during zooming and focusing 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 CanonCanon gives 70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKET-60 hood sold separately according to The Digital Picture; LP1019 pouch also optional
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 November 2007 introduction. The Japanese announcement originally scheduled late October 2007 availability; this was a planned date rather than the Museum's recorded introduction. The Digital Picture tested a Canadian retail sample in November 2007 and notes the later US announcement.

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