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Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro vs Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 100mm f/2.8 MacroCanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 1990October 2016
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length100 mm16–35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Macro lensYes–
Optical constructionTen elements in nine groupsSixteen elements in eleven groups
Special elements–Two large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elements
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera Museum; minimum f/32Nine circular blades
Angle of view24° diagonal, 20° horizontal and 14° vertical according to Canon's manualHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRs
Teleconverter support–Extenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are available
Adaptor support–Canon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.31 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification1×0.25×
Optical stabilisation–No
Autofocus detailAutofocus and manual focus selected with the AF/MF switch; Canon's manual lists Full and Limit focusing-range settingsRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manually
Focus distance detailFull range is 0.31 m to infinity; the manual describes the close-up Limit setting as 0.31–0.57 m and its specification table also lists 0.57 m to infinity as a limited range–
Magnification detailLife-size 1× reproduction without a converter; minimum focusing distance is measured from the camera's image plane according to Canon's manualAt 35 mm, EF12 II gives 0.65×–0.36× and EF25 II gives 1.14×–0.80×; both tubes are incompatible at 16 mm
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter52 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter75 mm88.5 mm
Length105.5 mm127.5 mm
Weight650 g790 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, Full/Limit switch, focusing ring, distance window, reproduction-ratio and depth-of-field scalesSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance window
Zoom design–Constant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusing
Filter detailFront screw-in filter; Canon's manual permits one filter at a timeOne front filter may be fitted; the manual specifies the 82 mm Canon PL-C B polariser and removing the hood for adjustment
Weather resistance–Sealed construction and rubber mount ring; the manual recommends an 82 mm Canon PROTECT filter for best dust and water resistance
Dimensions detailCanon Camera Museum gives 75 mm maximum diameter × 105.5 mm length and 650 g. Canon's original manual instead lists 105.3 mm length, with 21.5 mm added for front and rear caps; dimensions and weight are lens-onlyLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm
Weight detail–Approximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual
Lens hood–Reversible EW-88D hood with release button
In the box–Lens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records April 1990 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is stated

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