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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II 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 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM
Overview
Released2007September 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groups18 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements of different types and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements, two UD elements and one Super UD element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingFluorine on the front surface of the first element and rear surface of the last element
DiaphragmSeven circular bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Full-frame horizontal 74°–29°; vertical 53°–19°30′; diagonal 84°–34°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRs
Adaptor support–Canon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
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 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focusing; after One Shot AF, keep the shutter half-pressed while turning the focus ringRing-type USM with full-time manual override
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing; filter thread does not rotate during focusing (DPReview)
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 mmMaximum 0.21× at 70 mm
Stabilisation detail–No optical image stabilisation (DPReview and OpticalLimits)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm88.5 mm
Length111.6 mm113 mm
Weight640 g805 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowSeparate focus and zoom rings; zoom lock lever
Zoom designConstant exterior length with movement of the inner front tube according to both reviewsLens extends when zoomed towards 70 mm; zoom lock holds the 24 mm position (DPReview)
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 sealDust and moisture resistant structure at the mount, switch panel and zoom ring
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount to the front; caps add 21.5 mm with E-82U or 24 mm with E-82 II88.5 mm maximum diameter × 113 mm length in the retracted state
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-88C
In the boxLens, hood and soft case according to Canon UKLens, E-82 U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, EW-88C hood, LP1219 case and user manual
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 yearMarketed in September 2012 according to Canon Camera Museum

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