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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L 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 USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016November 2002
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups16 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsTwo aspherical elements and one UD element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Diagonal 84°–34°; vertical 53°–19°30′; horizontal 74°–29°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are availableCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders are incompatible
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.29×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing-type USM (OpticalLimits); manual override after autofocus in One-Shot AF with the shutter button held halfway
Focus distance detail–0.38 m minimum focus throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.29× magnification at 70 mm; non-rotating front filter thread (ePHOTOzine and OpticalLimits)
Stabilisation detail–No optical image stabilisation (ePHOTOzine)
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 mm83.2 mm
Length127.5 mm123.5 mm
Weight790 g950 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowFocus mode switch, focus ring, zoom ring, distance scale and infrared index
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingReverse zoom mechanism; longest at 24 mm and shortest at 70 mm, with the hood enclosing the moving front section (OpticalLimits)
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 drip-resistant seal structure; rubber ring around the lens mount
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm83.2 mm maximum diameter × 123.5 mm length; maker dimensions and weight are for the lens alone, excluding caps
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonEW-83F; can be reversed for storage
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualE-77U front cap, rear cap, EW-83F hood and LP1219 lens case (manual accessory names; ePHOTOzine box contents)
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum's original-model table records November 2002; its later Mark II retrospective instead refers to September 2002

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