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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USMCanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM
Overview
Released2007December 2001
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm16–35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements of different types and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising ground-and-polished, replica and glass-moulded types, plus two UD elements according to Photozone
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating–
DiaphragmSeven circular bladesSeven blades; circular aperture according to both reviews
Angle of viewHorizontal 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 sensorsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportCanon EF1.4× II and EF2× II are incompatible; the manual also excludes 250D and 500D close-up lenses–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.22×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focusing; after One Shot AF, keep the shutter half-pressed while turning the focus ringRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing in One Shot AF according to Photozone
Focus distance detail–Floating optical system according to Photozone; non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews
Magnification detailAt 35 mm, EF12 II gives 0.62×–0.36× and EF25 II gives 1.11×–0.80×; both tubes are incompatible at 16 mm–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm83.5 mm
Length111.6 mm103 mm
Weight640 g600 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowSeparate focus and zoom rings, focus-mode switch and distance window
Zoom designConstant exterior length with movement of the inner front tube according to both reviewsConstant outer length with some internal tube movement according to Photozone
Filter detail82 mm front thread; the manual permits one filter and specifies an 82 mm Canon circular polarising filter–
Weather resistanceThe manual requires a separately sold Canon PROTECT filter for dust and water resistance because the front element moves during zooming; without it the lens is not dust or water resistant. Rubber mount sealCanon identifies water and dust resistance at the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ring
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount to the front; caps add 21.5 mm with E-82U or 24 mm with E-82 II–
Weight detailUK specifications and Camera Museum publish 640 g; Canon's version 1.2 instruction manual publishes 635 g for the lens alone, without explaining the difference–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88 hoodEW-83E hood and LP1319 soft pouch according to The Digital Picture
In the boxLens, hood and soft case according to Canon UKLens, hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum
Release detailCamera Museum's exact-model table records April 2007 marketing, whereas its III-generation history calls the II a March 2007 release; neither identifies a regional distinction, so the headline retains the yearCanon Camera Museum records December 2001 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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