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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Canon RF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USMCanonRF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2016September 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm15–35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groupsSixteen elements in twelve groups
Special elementsTwo large-diameter glass-moulded aspherical elements, one ground aspherical element and two UD elementsThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and UD elements; SWC and ASC coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and Subwavelength Structure Coating; front and rear fluorine coatings according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmNine circular bladesNine blades with circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 98°–54°; vertical 74°10′–38°; diagonal 108°10′–63°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame and APS-C Canon EF DSLRsCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatible
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 magnification0.25×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with full-time manual override; keep the shutter half-pressed after autofocus when adjusting focus manuallyNano USM motor; electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detail–Minimum focus 0.28 m
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 0.21× at 35 mm
Stabilisation detail–Optical IS rated five stops with EOS R at 35 mm under CIPA standards
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm88.5 mm
Length127.5 mm126.8 mm
Weight790 g840 g
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, AF/MF switch and distance windowZoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches
Zoom designConstant outer length with inner front-tube movement according to both reviews; the manual advises zooming before focusingBarrel extends as the lens zooms from 35 mm towards 15 mm (Cameralabs)
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 resistanceDust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets entering
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front; front and rear caps add 24 mmApproximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 126.8 mm length, retracted
Weight detailApproximately 790 g for the lens alone, excluding accessories, in Canon's instruction manualApproximately 840 g lens
Lens hoodReversible EW-88D hood with release buttonEW-88F petal hood included
In the boxLens, EW-88D hood, LP1222 case, E-82 II front cap, rear cap E and user manualLens, E-82 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-88F hood and LP1222 case
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records October 2016 marketing; no first-sale day is statedSeptember 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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