Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is faster by 2 stops (f/1.4 vs f/2.8), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is lighter by 530g.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM goes wider (70mm vs 85mm).
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM reaches further (200mm vs 85mm).
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is the newer design (2018 vs 2017).
| Spec | EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM | EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Telephoto Zoom | Prime |
| Focal length | 70-200mm (wider) | 85mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 (faster) |
| Released | 2018 | 2017 |
| Blades | 8 | 9 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 19 | 10 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 23 | 14 |
| Weight g | 1480.0 | 950.0 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 77 | 77 |
| Length mm | 199.0 | 105.4 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 88.8 | 88.6 |
| Min focus m | 1.2 | 0.85 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.21 | 0.12 |
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
The third version of Canon's pro 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom, with image stabilization and a weather-sealed L build for sports, weddings and events.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Image stabilization
- Weather-sealed L build
- Fast ring USM autofocus
Cons
- Heavy to carry all day
- Large front element shows fingerprints and dust
- Only a modest step over the II
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
The L-series 85mm f/1.4 with in-lens image stabilization and weather sealing, aimed at portrait and event work on full-frame EF bodies.
Pros
- Image stabilization on a fast prime
- f/1.4 aperture
- Weather-sealed L build
- Smooth background rendering
Cons
- Heavier than the f/1.8 version
- Not as fast as the f/1.2L
- Stabilizer does not freeze subject motion