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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS 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 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
Released2007June 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements of different types and two UD elementsOne fluorite and two UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmSeven circular bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
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 mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
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 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.27×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
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 focus override
Focus distance detail–Maximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
Stabilisation detail–Five-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjects
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 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm80 mm
Length111.6 mm176 mm
Weight640 g780 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World
Zoom designConstant exterior length with movement of the inner front tube according to both reviewsInternal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera World
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 construction
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount to the front; caps add 21.5 mm with E-82U or 24 mm with E-82 II80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
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 differenceApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount
Tripod mount–Optional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory
Lens hoodReversible EW-88 hood–
In the boxLens, hood and soft case according to Canon UKLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
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 Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.

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