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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 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 28mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016June 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm28 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsGlass-moulded aspherical element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven-blade circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°75° diagonal, 65° horizontal and 46° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF full-frame and APS-C cameras; EOS M requires EF-EOS M adapter
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are availableCanon extenders not compatible
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptorExtension tube EF12 II gives 0.71–0.50× magnification; EF25 II gives 1.30–1.11×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.23 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.2×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing USM with full-time manual focus according to Canon UK; Camera Museum describes micro USM instead
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing with a non-rotating front and constant physical length according to The Digital Picture
Stabilisation detail–Maker claim up to four stops; The Digital Picture and Photozone each report approximately three stops in their tests
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 resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm68.4 mm
Length127.5 mm51.5 mm
Weight790 g260 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance window–
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 resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture and Photozone
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mmMaximum diameter × length in retracted state
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional EW-65B; LP1014 pouch listed as an accessory
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-58U front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum records June 2012 marketing and explicitly identifies the April 1987 EF 28mm f/2.8 as its predecessor

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