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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

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CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USMCanonEF 50mm f/1.8 II
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016December 1990
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical design
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
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Full-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF mount for full-frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras (DPReview)
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 manuallyDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)
Focus distance detail–Switch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocus
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 mm0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to Canon
Stabilisation detail–No optical image stabilisation (DPReview)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm68.2 mm
Length127.5 mm41 mm
Weight790 g130 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)
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 adjustmentOne 52 mm front filter; with the optional hood, mount the filter on the hood adaptor
Weather resistanceSealed construction and rubber mount ring; the manual recommends an 82 mm Canon PROTECT filter for best dust and water resistance–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mmLength measured from the mount surface to the front of the lens, excluding caps
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manualApproximately 130 g lens only
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional ES-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storage
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by region
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera Museum

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