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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L 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/4L USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016September 1999
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups16 elements in 13 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 Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesEight blades
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 availableCompatible with Canon EF1.4X and EF2X extenders; The Digital Picture notes EF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/5.6 and EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/8, with camera-dependent autofocus at f/8
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
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 resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm76 mm
Length127.5 mm172 mm
Weight790 g705 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF switch and focus limiter, with full 1.2 m–infinity range or 3 m–infinity (ePHOTOzine)
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 resistanceNot weather sealed according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual705 g according to Canon's UK specifications and Camera Museum
Tripod mount–Optional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) at launch; The Digital Picture also identifies compatible A II (W)
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonET-74
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separately
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedMarketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera Museum

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