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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 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/1.8 USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016July 1992
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–35 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elements–
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon UK
DiaphragmNine circular bladesEight blades according to Canon
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 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 adaptorCanon UK confirms EOS M compatibility using the EF-EOS M adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.85 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.13×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyUSM autofocus with full-time manual override according to Canon UK; Photozone identifies ring-type USM and rear focusing
Focus distance detail–Lens length stays constant during focusing according to Photozone; front lens group does not rotate according to Canon Camera Museum
Stabilisation detail–No optical stabilisation according to ePHOTOzine's exact-model specification
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 resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm75 mm
Length127.5 mm71.5 mm
Weight790 g425 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 adjustment–
Weather resistanceSealed construction and rubber mount ring; the manual recommends an 82 mm Canon PROTECT filter for best dust and water resistance–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm75 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length; 425 g according to Canon Camera Museum
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonHood is sold separately according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum records July 1992 marketing; a first-sale day is not given

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