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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L 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 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016November 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsFourteen elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsHigh-precision glass-moulded aspherical lens according to Canon
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureAir Sphere Coating (ASC) according to Canon
DiaphragmNine circular bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°28°30′ diagonal, 24° horizontal and 16° vertical
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 availableNot compatible with Canon extenders according to Canon UK's specification sheet
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptorCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.12×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyRing USM with full-time manual override according to Canon UK
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing according to ePHOTOzine
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 mmCanon UK specifies 0.15–0.26× with EF12 II and 0.33–0.43× with EF25 II extension tubes
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical stabilisation, tested at 85 mm with EOS-1D X Mark II to CIPA standards according to Canon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm88.6 mm
Length127.5 mm105.4 mm
Weight790 g950 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches, manual 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 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 resistance according to Canon UK
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm88.6 mm maximum diameter × 105.4 mm length; approximately 950 g according to Canon
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonSupplied ET-83E hood according to Canon UK
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, ET-83E hood, E-77II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, LP1219 pouch and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum records November 2017 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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