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Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM 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 135mm f/2L USMCanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 1996October 2016
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length135 mm16–35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical constructionTen elements in eight groupsSixteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsTwo UD glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture
DiaphragmEight bladesNine circular blades
Angle of view15° horizontal, 10° vertical and 18° diagonal according to Canon UKHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRs
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual confirms EF1.4X II gives 189 mm f/2.8 and EF2X II gives 270 mm f/4Extenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are available
Adaptor supportCanon UK confirms EOS M use with the EF-EOS M Mount AdapterCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.9 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM; mechanical full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter halfway according to Canon's manualRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manually
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with constant length and a non-rotating filter thread according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine–
Magnification detailEF12 II provides 0.09–0.29× and EF25 II 0.20–0.41× according to Canon UKAt 35 mm, EF12 II gives 0.65×–0.36× and EF25 II gives 1.14×–0.80×; both tubes are incompatible at 16 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter72 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter82.5 mm88.5 mm
Length112 mm127.5 mm
Weight750 g790 g
ControlsFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance window and 0.9 m–infinity or 1.6 m–infinity limiter according to Canon's manualSeparate 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 detail–One front filter may be fitted; the manual specifies the 82 mm Canon PL-C B polariser and removing the hood for adjustment
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model testSealed construction and rubber mount ring; the manual recommends an 82 mm Canon PROTECT filter for best dust and water resistance
Dimensions detail82.5 mm diameter × 112 mm length, excluding caps according to Canon's manualLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm
Weight detail750 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual
Lens hoodSupplied reversible ET-78II hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release button
In the boxLens, E-72U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 case, ET-78II hood and user manual according to Canon UK's box listLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records April 1996 marketingCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is stated

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