Request a product

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

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/1.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016May 2015
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
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 PictureLens coating optimised for digital cameras to reduce ghosting and flare
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 with one-third-stop camera aperture increments
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Full-frame horizontal 40°; vertical 27°; diagonal 46°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRs
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 adaptorCanon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyGear-type stepping motor; manual override after autofocus with the camera set to One-Shot AF
Focus distance detail–Electronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)
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 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm69.2 mm
Length127.5 mm39.3 mm
Weight790 g160 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance window–
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 resistance–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manualApproximately 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 g
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional ES-68
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedMarketed in May 2015 according to Canon Camera Museum

More comparisons