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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm 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 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016April 2013
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 groups13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsOne high-precision aspherical element
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22–36 with third-stop increments; f/22–38 with half-stop increments according to Canon's manual
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′–23°20′; vertical 45°30′–15°40′; diagonal 74°20′–27°50′
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; 29–88 mm equivalent field of view; EOS M use requires Mount Adapter EF-EOS M
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are availableCanon extenders cannot be used
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.25 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.36×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyLead-screw STM supports Movie Servo AF on compatible cameras; manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus requires keeping the shutter button half pressed
Focus distance detail–Electronic manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating filter thread according to both reviews
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 0.36× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.65–0.23× and EF25 II gives 1.00–0.51× at 55 mm; both are incompatible at 18 mm
Stabilisation detail–Canon's manual and Japanese support specify 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 55 mm using an EOS 7D; the UK specification lists four stops. Automatic panning compensation; Canon recommends switching IS off on a tripod to conserve power.
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter82 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm69 mm
Length127.5 mm75.2 mm
Weight790 g205 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 focusingMost compact around 30 mm, extending modestly towards both ends according to 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 mm69 mm maximum diameter × 75.2 mm retracted length; dimensions and 205 g weight are lens only, excluding caps
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manual–
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonEW-63C hood and LP1016 pouch sold separately
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualE-58II front cap, Lens Dust Cap E, instructions and warranty card according to Canon Japan
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Japan's support specification gives first sale on 12 April 2013, earlier than the announcement's promised late April; Camera Museum records April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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