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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II 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 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016June 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne fluorite and two UD elements
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmNine circular bladesNine 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 mount 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 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.27×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing-type USM with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detail–Maximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
Stabilisation detail–Five-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjects
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 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm80 mm
Length127.5 mm176 mm
Weight790 g780 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingInternal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera World
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 resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manualApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount
Tripod mount–Optional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release button–
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.

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