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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon RF 15–35mm F2.8 L 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 USMCanonRF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS USM
Overview
Released2007September 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm15–35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groupsSixteen elements in twelve groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements of different types and two UD elementsThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and UD elements; SWC and ASC coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating–
DiaphragmSeven circular bladesNine blades with circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatible
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 magnification0.22×0.21×
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 motor; electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detail–Minimum focus 0.28 m
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 35 mm
Stabilisation detail–Optical IS rated five stops with EOS R at 35 mm under CIPA standards
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm88.5 mm
Length111.6 mm126.8 mm
Weight640 g840 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowZoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches
Zoom designConstant exterior length with movement of the inner front tube according to both reviewsBarrel extends as the lens zooms from 35 mm towards 15 mm (Cameralabs)
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 water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets entering
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount to the front; caps add 21.5 mm with E-82U or 24 mm with E-82 IIApproximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 126.8 mm length, retracted
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 differenceApproximately 840 g lens
Lens hoodReversible EW-88 hoodEW-88F petal hood included
In the boxLens, hood and soft case according to Canon UKLens, E-82 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-88F hood and LP1222 case
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 yearSeptember 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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