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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

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

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CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USMCanonEF 35mm f/1.4L USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016December 1998
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsEleven elements in nine groups, with a floating system for close and medium distances
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne ground and polished aspherical glass element according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesEight blades according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°63° diagonal, 54° horizontal and 38° vertical according to Canon's exact manual
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
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 magnification0.25×0.18×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRear focusing with ring USM; full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway, according to Canon's manual
Focus distance detail–Non-rotating filter frame according to Canon; constant external length 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 resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm79 mm
Length127.5 mm86 mm
Weight790 g580 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowFocus ring, AF/MF switch, distance scale and infrared 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 resistanceNo weather sealing according to Photozone's exact-model test
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mmCanon's manual specifies 79 × 86 mm; its Museum table gives 72 × 86 mm; the manual dimensions are used here
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual580 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual; caps add 21.5 mm to the listed length
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonEW-78C reversible hood and LP1214 pouch identified by Canon's manual; The Digital Picture confirms both supplied in its reviewed box
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 December 1998 marketing

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