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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 18–55mm f/4–5.6 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/4–5.6 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016April 2017
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm18–55 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups12 elements in ten groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsAspherical lens element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings
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′ according to the exact Canon manual
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
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 magnification0.25×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyLead-screw STM; electronic manual adjustment after One-Shot autofocus while the shutter button remains half pressed, subject to camera settings
Focus distance detail–Manual focusing is unavailable with the camera off or lens asleep; internal focusing with a non-rotating front element 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 0.25× at 55 mm; EF12 II gives 0.82–0.66× at 18 mm and 0.55–0.23× at 55 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 18 mm and gives 0.91–0.51× at 55 mm
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop CIPA claim at 55 mm using an EOS 7D Mark II; 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 mm66.5 mm
Length127.5 mm61.8 mm
Weight790 g215 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 focusingBarrel extends when zoomed to 55 mm 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 mm66.5 mm maximum diameter × 61.8 mm retracted length; dimensions and 215 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 sold separately; exact manual and Canon Japan list LP1014 optional case, while the UK overview lists LP1016
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 Japan's exact support specification gives first sale on 7 April 2017; Camera Museum gives April. The day is the Japanese release, not a separately confirmed UK day.

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