Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM compared with EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2001June 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising ground-and-polished, replica and glass-moulded types, plus two UD elements according to PhotozoneOne fluorite and two UD elements
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmSeven blades; circular aperture according to both reviewsNine blades with a circular aperture
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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.27×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing in One Shot AF according to PhotozoneRing-type USM with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailFloating optical system according to Photozone; non-rotating filter thread according to both reviewsMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
Stabilisation detail–Five-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjects
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm80 mm
Length103 mm176 mm
Weight600 g (better)780 g
ControlsSeparate focus and zoom rings, focus-mode switch and distance windowAF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World
Zoom designConstant outer length with some internal tube movement according to PhotozoneInternal zooming maintains physical length according to 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
Dimensions detail–80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detail–Approximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount
Tripod mount–Optional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory
Lens hoodEW-83E hood and LP1319 soft pouch according to The Digital Picture–
In the boxLens, hood and case according to Canon Camera MuseumLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2001 marketing; no first-sale day is givenCanon Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.

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