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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM vs Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS 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 USMCanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 20012016
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groupsSeventeen elements in twelve groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising ground-and-polished, replica and glass-moulded types, plus two UD elements according to PhotozoneFour aspherical elements
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating; front and rear fluorine coating according to The Digital Picture
DiaphragmSeven blades; circular aperture according to both reviewsTen blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° vertical
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF full-frame and APS-C DSLRs; EOS M cameras require an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Teleconverter support–Canon's manual excludes extenders
Adaptor support–EF12 II gives 0.60–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.41–0.12× at 105 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 24 mm and gives 0.61–0.27× at 105 mm
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.24×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing in One Shot AF according to PhotozoneUSM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AF
Focus distance detailFloating optical system according to Photozone; non-rotating filter thread according to both reviewsInternal focusing according to The Digital Picture; Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusing
Stabilisation detail–Canon claims four-stop optical stabilisation. The exact manual describes automatic adjustment for still subjects and panning, with correction perpendicular to the panning direction
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm83.5 mm
Length103 mm118 mm
Weight600 g795 g
ControlsSeparate focus and zoom rings, focus-mode switch and distance windowAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, distance window, infrared index and transport lock at 24 mm
Zoom designConstant outer length with some internal tube movement according to PhotozoneExtending barrel; zoom lock holds the shortest 24 mm position
Weather resistanceCanon identifies water and dust resistance at the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ringCanon UK describes dust and moisture sealing; the manual identifies a rubber mount ring. The Digital Picture recommends a protective filter to complete front sealing
Dimensions detail–Maximum diameter × retracted length; size and 795 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 24.2 mm to length according to Canon's manual
Lens hoodEW-83E hood and LP1319 soft pouch according to The Digital PictureEW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storage
In the boxLens, hood and case according to Canon Camera MuseumLens, E-77 II front cap, Dust Lens Cap E, EW-83M hood, LP1219 case and manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2001 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Camera Museum's exact-model table records October 2016 marketing; its later RF 24–105mm page retrospectively says November 2016. The year is used because the maker gives conflicting months without explaining a regional difference

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