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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 35mm f/2

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 35mm f/2
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016October 1990
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsSeven elements in five groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elements–
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesFive 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 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 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.23×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyNon-USM autofocus without full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture; Canon's manual requires the MF switch position for manual focus
Focus distance detail–Lens extends towards close focus but its front element does not rotate according to Photozone
Stabilisation detail–No optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
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 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm67.4 mm
Length127.5 mm42.5 mm
Weight790 g210 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 resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
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 210 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 clip-on reversible hood according to Canon's manual; optional according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
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 October 1990 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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