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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L 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 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016September 2001
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups23 elements in 18 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsFour UD elements
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°Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are availableEF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.24× maximum magnification; EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.36×; autofocus supported but slower
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m1.4 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.17×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing-type USM (The Digital Picture); manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing with a non-rotating front; maximum 0.17× magnification at 200 mm
Stabilisation detail–Three-stop optical IS claim; Mode 1 for general shooting and Mode 2 for panning; Canon manual recommends switching off on a tripod to save battery power
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 resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm86.2 mm
Length127.5 mm197 mm
Weight790 g1,470 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.4 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinity
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingInternal zooming maintains physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)
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 resistanceSealed against dust and moisture; rubber gasket around the lens mount
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm86.2 mm maximum diameter × 197 mm length; lens dimensions exclude caps
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual1,470 g lens alone; 1,590 g with the tripod collar according to Canon's instruction manual
Tripod mount–Included removable rotating collar; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonET-86, reversible for storage
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens hood, tripod collar and lens case (The Digital Picture); manual identifies ET-86 hood, E-77U cap and LZ1324 case
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedMarketed in September 2001 according to Canon Camera Museum

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