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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS 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 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS II
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016July 2011
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm55–250 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups12 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsUD glass element
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital PictureSuper Spectra coatings according to Canon's UK launch announcement
DiaphragmNine circular bladesSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°Horizontal 23°20′–5°20′; vertical 15°40′–3°30′; diagonal 27°50′–6°15′
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; 88–400 mm equivalent field of view
Teleconverter supportExtenders cannot be used; the manual also states that no compatible close-up lenses are availableEF1.4X III and EF2X III cannot be used according to the instruction manual
Adaptor supportCanon UK lists EOS M use with the EF-EOS M mount adaptor–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m1.1 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.31×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyMove the AF/MF switch to MF before manually turning the focus ring; the manual forbids adjusting manual focus in AF mode
Focus distance detail–Minimum focus distance 1.1 m throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.31× magnification at 250 mm; front and focus ring rotate during autofocus according to Ken Rockwell
Stabilisation detail–Four-stop launch claim based on 1/(focal length × 1.6) shutter speed; automatically compensates across the direction of panning; manual recommends switching IS off on a tripod to save battery
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 mm70 mm
Length127.5 mm108 mm
Weight790 g390 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 towards longer focal lengths according to Ken Rockwell
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 mm70 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length from the mount to the lens front without caps
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manualApproximate 390 g lens-only figure in Canon's instruction manual
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonOptional ET-60; reversible for storage
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualFront and rear caps according to Ken Rockwell; Canon's manual identifies the hood and LP1019 pouch as optional
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedCanon Camera Museum and Canon's UK launch announcement give July 2011 first availability. Canon identifies the 2007 EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS as its predecessor; the II retains its optical design and changes the exterior.

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