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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM

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 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016June 2012
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm18–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups16 elements in 12 groups with a six-group zoom design
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne UD and one high-precision aspherical element
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; Canon UK's table lists f/22–38 with f/36 qualified for one-third stops
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Horizontal 64°30′–9°30′; vertical 45°30′–6°20′; diagonal 74°20′–11°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon EF-S mount APS-C cameras
Image circle detail–Canon quotes a full-frame angle-of-view equivalent of 29–216 mm
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 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallySTM; manual override after autofocus without changing focus mode
Focus distance detail–Electronic manual focus; adjustments in single autofocus mode after focus locks; non-rotating front filter thread (ePHOTOzine)
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical Image Stabilizer claim for still photographs
Video features–Dynamic IS for video; smooth Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras, including EOS 650D
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 mm76.6 mm
Length127.5 mm96 mm
Weight790 g480 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowFocus and zoom rings; zoom lock lever
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 mm76.6 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional EW-73B; LP1116 pouch available separately
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 statedMarketed in June 2012 according to Canon Camera Museum

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