EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM | Zoom lens | Lineup | Canon - Evolution of "L" The pinnacle reached by next-generation L-series lenses

EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

In addition to two large-diameter double-surface aspherical GMo lenses, this lens employs one ground aspherical lens and two UD lenses to achieve high-quality images from the center to the periphery throughout the entire zooming range. This lens provides high-contrast depiction with clear edges from corner to corner of the image. Moreover, SWC and ASC technologies effectively suppress the occurrence of ghosting and flare. Thanks to the enhanced durability of the lens body, this large-diameter wide-angle zoom lens is capable of remarkable performance that exceeds that of its predecessor, in terms of image quality, handling ease, reliability, and more.

Main features

Higher image quality from the center to periphery of images throughout the entire zooming range

EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM

EOS 5D Mark IV, f/2.8, 1/60 sec., ISO 400

EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

EOS 5D Mark IV, f/2.8, 1/60 sec., ISO 400

Without magnification

100%

Two large-diameter dual surface aspherical GMo lenses and one ground aspherical lens enable fine compensation of distortion aberration, field curvature and astigmatism. Image quality from the center out to the peripheral areas of images is greatly improved.

Reduced occurrence of chromatic aberration of magnification

EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM

EOS 5D Mark IV, f/2.8, 1/10 sec., ISO 800

EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

EOS 5D Mark IV, f/2.8, 1/10 sec., ISO 800

Without magnification

100%

Two UD lenses effectively reduce the chromatic aberration of magnification that tends to occur among wide-angle lenses. This results in high-quality images with high resolution and high contrast, but without color bleeding along edges of subjects.

Suppression of flare and ghosting

EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM

EOS 5D Mark IV, f/16.0, 1/200 sec., ISO 400

EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

EOS 5D Mark IV, f/16.0, 1/200 sec., ISO 400

Without magnification

100%

This lens newly employs SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) in addition to optimized coating. This suppresses flare and ghosting that conventional vapor-deposition coatings cannot prevent.

Excellent environmental resistance: Dust-proof, drip-proof structure is applied to the mount, switch panel, zoom ring, and focusing ring.^* A fluorine coating is applied to the foremost and rearmost lens surfaces to make it easy to remove dirt from the lenses.
* Since the front lens portion moves during zooming, a Canon Protect Filter (sold separately) must be mounted to ensure adequate resistance to dust and dripping. Complete prevention of extraneous materials from entering the lens body is not guaranteed.
Enhanced rigidity and durability: A renewed mechanical structure accommodates the requirements of rugged use and a newly developed optical system, resulting in improved vibration-resistant, shock-resistant performance that is expected of a new-generation L lens. Also, a new lens barrel structure is adopted to improve durability of the lens.
High-speed autofocus: High-speed, high-precision autofocusing is made possible by optimally matching USM control via inner focusing system, high-performance CPU of the lens, and the camera’s AF algorithm.

Specifications Comparison

	EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM	EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
Focal length	16-35mm	16-35mm
Maximum aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
Construction (groups-elements)	16 elements in 12 groups	16 elements in 11 groups
No. of diaphragm blades	7	9
Minimum aperture	22	22
Closest focusing distance	0.28m/0.92ft	0.28m/0.92ft
Maximum magnification	0.22x (at 35mm)	0.25x (at 35mm)
Filter size	82mm	82mm
Max. diameter x length	φ88.5×111.6mm / φ3.5×4.4 in.	φ88.5×127.5mm / φ3.48×5.02 in.
Weight	Approx. 640g	Approx. 790g