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Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS II

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 II
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2017July 2011
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 UK launch announcement
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° verticalHorizontal 23°20′–5°20′; vertical 15°40′–3°30′; diagonal 27°50′–6°15′
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 sheetEF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual
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 UKMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF mode
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to ePHOTOzineMinimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.31× magnification at 250 mm; front and focus ring rotate during autofocus according to Ken Rockwell
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; automatically compensates across the direction of panning; manual recommends switching IS off on a tripod to save battery
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 towards longer focal lengths according to Ken Rockwell
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 Canon70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length from the mount to the lens front without caps
Weight detail–Approximate 390 g lens-only figure in Canon's instruction manual
Lens hoodSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UKOptional ET-60; reversible for storage
In the boxLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UKFront and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as optional
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not givenCanon Camera Museum and Canon's UK launch announcement give July 2011 first availability. Canon identifies the 2007 EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS as its predecessor; the II retains its optical design and changes the exterior.

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