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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS 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/2 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016December 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsTen elements in eight groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsGlass-moulded aspherical lens 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 with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°–
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 availableNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptorCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.24×
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
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing with a non-rotating front filter ring according to ePHOTOzine
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 mmCanon UK specifies 0.36–0.60× with EF12 II and 0.79–1.04× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical stabilisation according to Canon UK
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm77.9 mm
Length127.5 mm62.6 mm
Weight790 g335 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser switches, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
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 Digital Camera World's exact-model review
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm77.9 mm maximum diameter × 62.6 mm length; 335 g according to Canon UK
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional EW-72 hood; Canon UK's actual box list excludes a hood
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-67II 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 December 2012 marketing and explicitly identifies the October 1990 EF 35mm f/2 as its predecessor

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