Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 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

EF 85mm f/1.8 USM compared with EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
CanonEF 85mm f/1.8 USMCanonEF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJuly 1992April 2017
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elements–Aspherical lens element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UKSuper Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight blades according to CanonSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–Horizontal 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 support–Canon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.85 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.13×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override according to Canon UK; Photozone identifies ring-type USM and rear focusingLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detailLens length stays constant during focusing according to Photozone; front lens group does not rotate according to Canon Camera MuseumManual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element according to both reviews
Magnification detail–Maximum 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 detailNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specificationFour-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
Filter diameter58 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter75 mm66.5 mm
Length71.5 mm61.8 mm
Weight425 g215 g (better)
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm according to The Digital Picture
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings–
Dimensions detail75 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length; 425 g according to Canon Camera Museum66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Lens hoodHood is sold separately according to Photozone and ePHOTOzineEW-63C sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
In the boxLens, E-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records July 1992 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.

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