Request a product

Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 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 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016September 2004
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm17–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
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 elementsOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSix 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′–15°25′, vertical 48°–10°25′, diagonal 78°30′–18°25′ according to Canon Japan
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 27–136 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 magnification0.25×0.2×
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; Photozone identifies ring-type USM
Focus distance detail–Minimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone
Stabilisation detail–Canon states approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correction
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 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm78.5 mm
Length127.5 mm92 mm
Weight790 g475 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowAF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom rings
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingExtending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mm
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 mm78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 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 buttonEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not supplied
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 record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale day

More comparisons