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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 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 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016May 2006
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm17–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups19 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsThree aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded and two replica elements; two UD elements according to Canon Japan
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 bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Horizontal 68°40′–23°20′, vertical 48°–15°40′, diagonal 78°30′–27°50′
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 27–88 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are availableCanon extenders are not compatible
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 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.17×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
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; distance information is transmitted for E-TTL II flash metering according to Canon UK
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing; front element does not rotate according to Photozone
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 mmMaximum 0.17× at 55 mm according to Canon Japan; EF12 II extension tube and 500D close-up lens supported, 250D close-up lens not supported
Stabilisation detail–Canon states three shutter-speed stops of optical correction; Canon Japan lists no coordinated correction with camera IBIS
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm83.5 mm
Length127.5 mm110.6 mm
Weight790 g645 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser switches; distance window and rear focus ring
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingExtends towards the telephoto end according to Photozone and ePHOTOzine
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 resistanceCanon Japan lists no dust or drip resistance
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm83.5 mm maximum diameter × 110.6 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 buttonEW-83J hood and LP1219 pouch are optional accessories; Canon UK's box list includes neither. Canon Camera Museum's price table says case and built-in hood, conflicting with the UK package and separately listed removable EW-83J hood
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E77II 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 May 2006 marketing. Canon Japan records announcement on 22 February and Japanese first sale on 31 May 2006; a separately established UK first-sale day is not published in these sources.

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