Request a product

Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 18–135mm 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 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016March 2016
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
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne UD and one aspherical element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with one-third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°–
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
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 supports EOS M cameras with an 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 manuallyNano USM; Canon claims up to 4.3× the STM predecessor's focus-lens driving speed when focusing from minimum distance to infinity at 135 mm through the viewfinder
Focus distance detail–Electronic manual focusing requires an awake camera; manual override in One-Shot AF requires a half-pressed shutter and enabled electronic manual focusing (The Digital Picture)
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 0.28× at 135 mm
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop optical Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
Video features–Optional PZ-E1 power zoom adaptor attaches beneath the lens (The Digital Picture)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm77.4 mm
Length127.5 mm96 mm
Weight790 g515 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowFocus and zoom rings; AF/MF, stabiliser and zoom-lock switches (The Digital Picture)
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingExtends towards longer focal lengths; zoom lock retains the retracted position (The Digital Picture)
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 resistanceNo full weather sealing or mount gasket (The Digital Picture)
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm77.4 mm maximum diameter × 96 mm length 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 buttonOptional EW-73D; optional LP1116 pouch (The Digital Picture)
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedMarketed in March 2016 according to Canon Camera Museum

More comparisons