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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II

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 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016March 2005
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–36
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups11 elements in nine groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsAspherical element shown in Canon Camera Museum's optical diagram
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°–
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
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 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyMicromotor autofocus; no full-time manual override according to The Digital Picture
Focus distance detail–Front element rotates during focusing; narrow manual focus grip on the extending front barrel according to Photozone and 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 55 mm according to The Digital Picture; Canon Camera Museum confirms 0.28× maximum magnification
Stabilisation detail–No optical stabilisation according to The Digital Picture
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm68.5 mm
Length127.5 mm66 mm
Weight790 g190 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance window–
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingShortest around 35 mm; extends towards both ends of the zoom range according to Photozone and 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 resistance–
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mm68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 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 buttonEW-60C hood and LP814 pouch sold separately according to The Digital Picture
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 records March 2005 marketing with the EOS 350D. No separately verified UK first-sale day is published in these sources.

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