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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 24–70mm f/4L 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 III USMCanonEF 24–70mm f/4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016December 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups15 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsTwo aspherical and two UD elements
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings; Canon also specifies easy-clean lens-element coatings
DiaphragmNine circular bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°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 mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
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 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.7×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
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–Normal minimum focus 0.38 m; dedicated macro mode reaches 0.2 m according to Canon Camera Museum; approximately 3 cm working distance at maximum magnification (Bob Atkins)
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× in normal operation and 0.7× in the separate macro position beyond the telephoto end
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical IS claim; automatic panning detection; Hybrid IS compensates angular and shift movements in macro mode
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm83.4 mm
Length127.5 mm93 mm
Weight790 g600 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowMacro/zoom-lock switch; AF/MF and IS switches; focus ring, zoom ring and distance scale
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingBarrel extends towards 70 mm; zoom lock operates at 24 mm (Bob Atkins)
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 resistanceSealed against dust and moisture
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm83.4 mm maximum diameter × 93 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-83L hood; Canon lists LP1219 pouch as an accessory
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manual–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedMarketed in December 2012 according to Canon Camera Museum

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