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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS 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-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
Released2007March 2016
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groups16 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements of different types and two UD elementsOne UD and one aspherical element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingSuper Spectra coatings
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments
DiaphragmSeven circular bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
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 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focusing; after One Shot AF, keep the shutter half-pressed while turning the focus ringNano USM; Canon claims up to 4.3× the STM predecessor's focus-lens driving speed when focusing from minimum distance to infinity at 135 mm through the viewfinder
Focus distance detail–Electronic manual focusing requires an awake camera; manual override in One-Shot AF requires a half-pressed shutter and enabled electronic manual focusing (The Digital Picture)
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 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
Video features–Optional PZ-E1 power zoom adaptor attaches beneath the lens (The Digital Picture)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm77.4 mm
Length111.6 mm96 mm
Weight640 g515 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowFocus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom designConstant exterior length with movement of the inner front tube according to both reviewsExtends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)
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 sealNo full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount to the front; caps add 21.5 mm with E-82U or 24 mm with E-82 II77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum
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 hoodOptional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the boxLens, hood and soft case according to Canon UKLens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E 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 March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

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