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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 28mm f/2.8

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 28mm f/2.8
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016April 1987
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm28 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsFive elements in five groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne moulded glass aspherical element, at the front of the optical system
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesFive blades
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°75° diagonal, 65° horizontal and 46° vertical according to Canon's manual
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 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.13×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyConventional motor autofocus according to Photozone; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detail–Mechanical manual focusing; Canon's manual requires the MF switch position. Inner tube extends towards close focus but the front does not rotate according to Photozone
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 resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm67.4 mm
Length127.5 mm42.5 mm
Weight790 g185 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window, depth-of-field scale and infrared focus index
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusing–
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 resistance–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length; dimensions and 185 g weight are lens-only. Front and rear caps add 21.5 mm according to Canon's manual
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonEW-65 II reversible hood according to Canon's manual
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 statedCanon Camera Museum records April 1987 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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