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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III 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 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2001September 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising ground-and-polished, replica and glass-moulded types, plus two UD elements according to PhotozoneOne fluorite and five UD elements
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces
DiaphragmSeven blades; circular aperture according to both reviewsEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view–Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter support–EF1.4X III gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.30× maximum magnification; EF2X III gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.44×; autofocus remains available but is slower
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.21×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing in One Shot AF according to PhotozoneRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailFloating optical system according to Photozone; non-rotating filter thread according to both reviewsInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Stabilisation detail–Up to 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; Canon notes tripod results depend on the tripod and shooting conditions
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm88.8 mm
Length103 mm199 mm
Weight600 g1,480 g
ControlsSeparate focus and zoom rings, focus-mode switch and distance windowAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinity
Zoom designConstant outer length with some internal tube movement according to PhotozoneInternal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)
Weather resistanceCanon identifies water and dust resistance at the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ringDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount
Dimensions detail–88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps
Weight detail–Approximately 1,480 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual, UK store and Camera Museum; a Canon USA one-page specification chart instead lists approximately 1,440 g
Tripod mount–Included removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar
Lens hoodEW-83E hood and LP1319 soft pouch according to The Digital PictureET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storage
In the boxLens, hood and case according to Canon Camera MuseumET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2001 marketing; no first-sale day is givenMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018

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