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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USMCanonEF 24–70mm f/2.8L II USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016September 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups18 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements, two UD elements and one Super UD element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureFluorine on the front surface of the first element and rear surface of the last element
DiaphragmNine circular bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Full-frame horizontal 74°–29°; vertical 53°–19°30′; diagonal 84°–34°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRs
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 adaptorCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing-type USM with full-time manual override
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing; filter thread does not rotate during focusing (DPReview)
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 mmMaximum 0.21× at 70 mm
Stabilisation detail–No optical image stabilisation (DPReview and OpticalLimits)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm88.5 mm
Length127.5 mm113 mm
Weight790 g805 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowSeparate focus and zoom rings; zoom lock lever
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingLens extends when zoomed towards 70 mm; zoom lock holds the 24 mm position (DPReview)
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 resistanceDust and moisture resistant structure at the mount, switch panel and zoom ring
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm88.5 mm maximum diameter × 113 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonEW-88C
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-82 U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, EW-88C hood, LP1219 case and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedMarketed in September 2012 according to Canon Camera Museum

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