Choosing between a fast prime and a long telephoto zoom for a Canon EF body might seem like comparing two different hobbies. But these two lenses are both in play if you want one next step: the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens - USA, EXC or the open-box Canon EF 70-300mm IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens. You're really choosing between a fast, fixed 85mm prime and a 70-300mm zoom that can cover subjects much farther away.
Quick verdict
For a portrait-oriented shooter who values aperture above all, the 85mm f/1.2L II is the pick. For a flexible, one-lens telephoto setup, the 70-300mm IS zoom gives you a far longer range. The condition difference is also part of the story: one is a used lens in excellent condition, the other is open box.
At a glance
| Product | Condition | Listed Price | Focal Length | Max Aperture | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens - USA, EXC | Used (EXC) | USD 799.00 | 85mm fixed | f/1.2 | Fixed/Prime |
| Open Box) Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens | Open box | USD 255.00 | 70-300mm | f/4-5.6 | Auto & Manual |
Where the 85mm f/1.2L II wins
The 85mm is a prime with a very large maximum aperture. That changes the comparison: f/1.2 is far wider than the zoom's maximum aperture, and the fixed 85mm focal length suits portrait work. The used copy is in excellent condition, with no scratches, dust, haze, or fungus, and only slight wear on the barrel and hood.
Where the 70-300mm IS wins
The zoom's case is simple: one lens, 70-300mm range, auto-plus-manual focus, and image stabilization in the IS USM name. It can reach much farther than the 85mm prime, and its open-box listing comes in at the lower listed price of the two.
Product notes
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens - USA, EXC
This is the lens for photographers who want a fast prime with the simplicity of a fixed focal length. Its f/1.2 maximum aperture is the standout feature; it gives you a much wider aperture for lower-light shooting than the zoom's variable aperture. This copy is in excellent overall condition, with no scratches, dust, haze, or fungus, and only slight wear on the barrel and hood. Autofocus is quick and accurate. The trade-offs are the used condition and a higher listed price than the open-box zoom. Choose it when the prime's speed matters more than telephoto reach.
Open Box) Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
This is the flexible, reach-oriented option. It covers a 70-300mm range in one lens, and the IS USM designation points to image stabilization plus auto-and-manual focus. The maximum aperture changes from f/4 at the short end to f/5.6 at the long end, so it is not in the same low-light class as the prime. The open-box condition is the other limitation: this is not a sealed new-in-box copy. Still, for a single lens that can pull distant subjects closer, the telephoto zoom is the practical choice. If you want one lens to cover a broad range, this is the better match.
Final choice by use case
If your camera time revolves around portrait-length shots and you want the widest aperture of the two, the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens - USA, EXC is the answer. If you want one lens that goes from 70mm to 300mm and prefer the lower listed price, the Open Box) Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens is the more flexible option. The listed price spread between them is $544, so the deciding factor is usually whether aperture or reach fits the way you shoot.
