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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS 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-S 15–85mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016October 2009
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm15–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups17 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements and one UD element according to Canon Japan
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureCanon describes optimised coatings and element positioning to reduce ghosting and flare
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Horizontal 74°10′–15°25′, vertical 53°30′–10°25′, diagonal 84°30′–18°25′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 24–136 mm on full frame
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 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.21×
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 in One-Shot AF according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing and non-rotating front element according to Photozone and The Digital Picture
Stabilisation detail–Canon states approximately four shutter-speed stops of optical correction; The Digital Picture's tested example achieved four stops at 85 mm and 4⅓ at 15 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 resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm81.6 mm
Length127.5 mm87.5 mm
Weight790 g575 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser switches; rear manual-focus ring and distance window
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingExtends towards the telephoto end using two inner barrel sections according to Photozone
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 mm81.6 mm maximum diameter × 87.5 mm length 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 buttonOptional EW-78E hood; LP1116 pouch and E-72U cap listed by Canon Japan
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 and Canon Japan's exact-model support sheet both record October 2009 release. No separately established UK first-sale day is given by these sources.

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