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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 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 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 II USM
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; Canon's EF Lens Work III records exterior design changes from type I while optical performance remains the same
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne precision aspherical element; Canon's EF Lens Work III identifies the tenth element
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°Diagonal 74°20′–27°50′ according to Canon's EF Lens Work III
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 approximately 29–88 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 m0.28 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyCanon Micro USM II ultrasonic motor
Focus distance detail–Front-group rotating extension focusing; minimum distance 0.28 m throughout the zoom range according to Canon's EF Lens Work III
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 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 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 mm68.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm length; 190 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 button–
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; no first-sale day is given by this source

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