Request a product

Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L 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 III USMCanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016December 2001
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm16–35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising ground-and-polished, replica and glass-moulded types, plus two UD elements according to Photozone
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven blades; circular aperture according to both reviews
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are available–
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.22×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing in One Shot AF according to Photozone
Focus distance detail–Floating optical system according to Photozone; non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews
Magnification detailAt 35 mm, EF12 II gives 0.65×–0.36× and EF25 II gives 1.14×–0.80×; both tubes are incompatible at 16 mm–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm83.5 mm
Length127.5 mm103 mm
Weight790 g600 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowSeparate focus and zoom rings, focus-mode switch and distance window
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingConstant outer length with some internal tube movement according to Photozone
Filter detailOne front filter may be fitted; the manual specifies the 82 mm Canon PL-C B polariser and removing the hood for adjustment–
Weather resistanceSealed construction and rubber mount ring; the manual recommends an 82 mm Canon PROTECT filter for best dust and water resistanceCanon identifies water and dust resistance at the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ring
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm–
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonEW-83E hood and LP1319 soft pouch according to The Digital Picture
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum records December 2001 marketing; no first-sale day is given

More comparisons