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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 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 50mm f/1.4 USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016June 1993
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsSeven elements in six groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera Museum
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 bladesEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped down
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° 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
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 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyMicro USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detail–Overall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital Picture
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 mmEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UK
Stabilisation detail–No image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm73.8 mm
Length127.5 mm50.5 mm
Weight790 g290 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale and infrared index according to Canon's manual
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 mm73.8 mm diameter × 50.5 mm length in the retracted state according to Canon UK; Canon's manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manual
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manual
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK's store
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum records June 1993 marketing

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