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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L 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 85mm f/1.2L USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016September 1989
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsEight elements in seven groups; floating optical system
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne aspherical element and two high-refraction elements according to Canon
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesEight blades; non-rounded according to The Digital Picture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical according to Canon's manual
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors
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 m0.95 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.11×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyUSM autofocus; The Digital Picture reports no focus-distance transmission for E-TTL II flash metering
Focus distance detail–Electronically driven manual focusing requires the camera to be powered on; front element moves during focusing according to The Digital Picture
Stabilisation detail–No optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specifications
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 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm91.5 mm
Length127.5 mm84 mm
Weight790 g1,025 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF switch, focus ring, distance window and depth-of-field markings
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 adjustmentFront screw-in filter; Canon's manual permits one filter at a time
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's exact-model specifications
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm91.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm length; 1,025 g lens-only. Canon's manual gives a further 21.5 mm with both caps fitted
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonES-79 II according to Canon's manual; button-release fitting and reversible for storage
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manual–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum records September 1989 marketing; no first-sale day is given

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