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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM

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 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Overview
Released2007May 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groups10 elements in six groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements of different types and two UD elementsOne aspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
Aperture detail–Minimum f/32 with one-third-stop aperture increments
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating–
DiaphragmSeven circular bladesSeven blades; circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Horizontal 35°55′, vertical 24°20′, diagonal 42°35′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 56 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon EF1.4× II and EF2× II are incompatible; the manual also excludes 250D and 500D close-up lensesCanon EF extenders are not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.22×1×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focusing; after One Shot AF, keep the shutter half-pressed while turning the focus ringSTM autofocus; electronic manual focusing requires the camera to be awake according to Dustin Abbott
Focus distance detail–0.13 m minimum focus measured from the image plane; approximately 30 mm working distance from the lens front at life-size magnification according to Canon Japan
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 1×; EF12 II extension tube gives 0.34–1.41× and EF25 II gives 0.76–1.91× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detail–Hybrid IS compensates for angular and lateral movement; Canon states four stops of correction, with effectiveness depending on shooting distance
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm69.2 mm
Length111.6 mm55.8 mm
Weight640 g190 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowMacro Lite can illuminate both sides or either side individually, with brightness control; AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Zoom designConstant exterior length with movement of the inner front tube according to both reviews–
Filter detail82 mm front thread; the manual permits one filter and specifies an 82 mm Canon circular polarising filter49 mm filter attaches to the ES-27 hood; Canon Japan specifies one filter and removing the hood to use Macro Lite illumination
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 seal–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount to the front; caps add 21.5 mm with E-82U or 24 mm with E-82 II69.2 mm maximum diameter × 55.8 mm retracted 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 difference–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88 hoodES-27 hood; LP1014 case is optional according to Canon Japan
In the boxLens, hood and soft case according to Canon UKLens, ES-27 hood, EF-S35 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and warranty paperwork in Canon Japan's listed package
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 May 2017 marketing. Canon Japan announced it on 6 April 2017 and records the Japanese first-sale date as 29 June 2017; a UK first-sale day is not established by these sources.

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