Development objectives
Developed as the successor to the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM, which was
first released in 2001, to an even higher standard of performance, the
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM (Photo 1) is a large aperture (f/2.8)
ultra-wide-angle zoom lens.
The following sections highlight some of the aims of the lens's development.
Feature 1: 16-35mm ultra-wide-angle zoom range
The lens's zoom assembly consists of four lens groups, all of which
move, and employs a new type of inner-focusing system, in which some of
the elements in the second group act as the focusing group. The zoom
assembly was completely redesigned to deliver improved image quality
over the previous model while covering the same zoom range, from 16mm,
at the ultra-wide-angle end, to 35mm (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Optical assembly of the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Feature 2: Pursuit of image quality improvements over previous models
The lens consist of 16 lens elements in 12 groups. The design is
notable because it features three types of precision Aspherical lens
elements (one ground, GMo (molded glass), and replica aspherical
element each) that provide excellent Aberration correction, which gives
the lens image quality fitting for an L-series lens at all zoom focal
lengths. In particular, the new lens offers improved peripheral image
quality at wide angles over the previous lens.
The lens also includes two UD elements that greatly minimize the
inherent lateral Chromatic aberration found in wide-angle lenses,
achieving superb image quality with excellent Resolution and Contrast
with virtually no color fringing at subject boundaries (Figure 2).
Figure 2: MTF characteristics of the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Bold lines: 10 lp/mm, fine
lines: 30 lp/mm. Black lines are the MTF at full aperture; the blue
lines at f/8. Solid lines represent sagittal (radial) MTF and the
broken lines represent meridional (tangential) MTF.
Feature 3: Superior waterproof and dustproof construction
Waterproof and dustproof construction (Figure 3) at the mount, switch
and switch panel, zoom ring, and focusing ring prevents dust and
moisture from getting into the lens, making it suitable for use in
harsh conditions.
Figure 3: Waterproof and dustproof construction on the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
*Be
sure to use the lens with a weatherproof/dustproof body. A Canon filter
must be attached to the front of the lens for full protection.
Feature 4: Optimal optics for digital SLRs
The lens configuration and Coating have been designed to minimize the
flare and ghosting found in digital SLRs due to surface reflections
from the imaging sensor. The configuration and coating also ensure
excellent Color balance.
Other features • Manual focusing in AF mode
After the one-shot AF operation, the full-time mechanical manual focus
construction allows the user to continue to focus manually without
leaving the AF mode.
• Fast, silent autofocusing
The ring USM, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF algorithms enable fast, silent autofocusing.
• Minimum focusing range of 0.28m
The minimum focusing range is 0.28m at all focal lengths. The maximum magnification is 0.22 (at 35mm).
• Circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh
The lens features an electro-magnetic diaphragm with a circular aperture that provides attractive bokeh (blurring effects).
• Redesigned switch shape prevents accidental mode changes
The focus mode switch has been reshaped to prevent the switch from being moved accidentally while carrying or shooting.
• Enlarged, petal-shaped hood provides more effective light blocking
Flocking on the inner surface of the enlarged, petal-shaped EW-88 hood
gives much better anti-reflective performance, greatly cutting harmful
reflections (Photo 3).
Photo 3: EX-88 hood for the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
• Two new filters
Canon has designed two new 82mm filters - PROTECT and the PL-CB
circular polarizer. Attaching either filter to the front of the lens
adds additional water and dust protection (Photo 4).
Photo 4: 82mm PROTECT filter (top) and the PL-CB filter
• Environmentally friendly design
The lens optics use only lead-free glass in consideration of our
natural environment. Furthermore, the lens design meets the
environmental requirements of the European Union's RoHS Directive
(Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous
Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
The Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 L II is a great lens that just works as you would expect from Canon at this price The results during our tests again are what you would expect for a lens of the caliber "simply stunning". Auto focus was fast and hit the mark every time. This was an improvement on the lens it replaced, this lens was faster than its older brother and with a lower percentage of refocusing needed.
As with all lenses with a focal length as short as 16mm you get a little distortion on the edges (at 16mm). But this is only truly noticeable on shots with vertical straight edges. If you do find this tiny distortion to be an issue then you can always resolve this in Photoshop or you DSLR Canon software (I did not find it at issues, but some purists might).
Sharpness on this lens was excellent, as good as many of the top Canon zooms. For a short zoom, this is one of the best and certainly as good as the Canon 17-40mm L.
This lens is well built (again as you would expect from Canon at this price). With a large front element it can be quite a large lens on a small body such as a 400D.
If you like your short zooms then this in one to put on the list to consider buying.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided Pros: Sharp, build quality, very little fringing. Cons: Price, not a lot else.
Last updated: Wednesday, 27 February 2008
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 35 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.6
Build Quality
4.3
AF Speed
4.5
Value for Money
4.6
Add new review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
A Good Lens, Friday, 26 June 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I've had this lens for over a year now which was bought from Amazon. It is being used on a full-frame 5D and 5DMkII DSLRs. In this price range and wide angle focal length we can compare it to the Canon 14mm f/2.8 or the Nikor 14-24 f/2.8. Why? If you're looking at this lens, then you should be looking at these other two as well. The Nikkor can be used with a Nikon to Canon adapter from some good companies like 16-9 Adapters.
This lens may suffer edge softness and I had to have mine calibrated by Canon within the 1 year warranty period. From f/2.8-f/8, this lens is not sharp when compared to the lenses above. From f/8 and beyond it performs well.
Overall I'm pleased, but at this price, I would want a little better edge sharpness.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
great lens and great photos, Monday, 18 May 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Having the lens for 5 days, I am very happy with this lens. This is my first L lens and it is much better than any of other lenses. The lens was put on my XTI camera. I ignored all the comments that this lens does not match this camera. What I wanted to do is to get nice pictures on the camera on hand. Widness is not the only issue to measure the quality of the lens. I uploaded one picture and definitely that is not the best picture because I am still improving my photographic skills.
Bought $1350 at Buydig with a $150 Heleopan UV filter.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
great lens and great photos, Monday, 18 May 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Update on 06/05: If the exposure is correct, the image is sharp at ANY focal length. Greatest lens for landscape and portrait. There is no dark corner and no distortion.
Having the lens for 5 days, I am very happy with this lens. This is my first L lens and it is much better than any of other lenses. The lens was put on my XTI camera. I ignored all the comments that this lens does not match this camera. What I wanted to do is to get nice pictures on the camera on hand. Widness is not the only issue to measure the quality of the lens. I uploaded one picture and definitely that is not the best picture because I am still improving my photographic skills.
Bought $1350 at Buydig with a $150 Heleopan UV filter.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Good Canon L Lens but not for the price., Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
5.0
Again, Canon L lens will never disappointed any photographers this 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is no exception and it will allow you to shoot in very tight pace without moving back, I had a chance to try it from my friend while I have my own EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM. This 16-35mm is going to give you super image quality with just a little distortion that you can't barely notice until you enlarge final print, to me it's nothing better than canon 24-70mm F/2.8L USM. Except its version II. I have also thanks to my best friend allows me to try it before I decide to make some upgrade. I'll keep my own. Here is some side by side comparison, so future users could use some help.
EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Construction (groups-elements) 12-16 Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) 98°54°/ 74°10'38°/108°10'63°
Number of Diaphragm Blades 7 Closest Focusing Distance 0.28m Maximum Magnification 0.22x (at 35mm) Weight 640g
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Construction (groups-elements) 13-16 Angle of View (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) 74°29°/ 53°19°30'/ 84°34°
Number of Diaphragm Blades 8 Closest Focusing Distance 0.38m (MACRO) Maximum Magnification 0.29x (at 70mm) Weight 950g
As you can see 16-35mm is Bit more advantage angle of view over 24-70mm but it can not compare to 24-70mm at construction, group and elements / number of blade / Marco shooting and the price. The choice is yours.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Fantastic for Landscapes, Cars, Old Equipment!, Friday, 03 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I've had this lens for almost a year, but hadn't used it much until this weekend, as my Sigma 30mm & 50mm f/1.4 lenses were better fits for low-light situations. However, this weekend I took it to Pawnee National Grassland for some shooting, and I must say, I'm very glad I purchased this lens! At the time, the 17-40mm f/4L was very attractive due to its low price, but I went with the 16-35mm because of its better low-light performance. I love the pictures this lens produces! And having f/2.8 instead of f/4 might not seem like a lot of difference, but it is. The only thing that could make this lens better would be Image Stabilization (IS), but I'm fine without that as I can use my Sigma lenses if I really need the low-light performance. If you look at my posted photo of a windmill, you'll see what this lens and a total amateur are capable of!
If you would really be stretching your budget to buy this lens, the 17-40mm f/4L and a fast Sigma prime might be a better option for you, but if you can afford it, this lens will thank you for years! This lens, paired with a fast 50mm (f/1.2-1.8) lens, a 135mm f/2L (for full-frame cameras) or the 85mm f/1.2L (for "cropped sensor" cameras), and a 70-200mm of some sort, will keep you content for years. (Unless of course you're a birder, in which case you can never spend enough money on lenses!)
Final Analysis: If you're really considering this lens, get it. If you don't, you'll always wonder. The lack of IS in this range makes it even more important for your Zoom lenses to be f/2.8. If it's a huge stretch to afford this lens, get the 17-40mm f/4L and a fast 50mm lens, preferably the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Outstanding!, Wednesday, 01 April 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
So.. I had the 24-70 2.8L, which I bought 3 years ago. I used it as a work horse for weddings/portraits.
Two years ago, I started buying the Canon L Primes. I first bought the 85 1.2, then 35 1.4 and then the 50 1.2. I have a SIGMA 70-200 2.8 (No intentions in buying the canon version as they are the same if you know what you are doing). I have two 5D bodies.
Anyway, recently, I was debating in selling my 24-70 for the 16-35 because I had pretty much all SERIOUS primes after the 35mm range. So there was no real reason to shoot with the 24-70 for me.
Now that I gave a little background on where I am coming from. Let me just say that this lens is simply amazing!
The colors and the saturation is awesome! Indoor photos as well as outdoor landscapes come out phenomenal straight out of the camera.
To me this lens is more versatile than the 24-70L.
Not sure about the negative reviews but my copy is sharp End to End.
Highly highly recommend it!
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Disappointed, Wednesday, 04 March 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
Maybe, I'm just used to the clarity of my sub 2.0 aperture lenses. I'm not a professional by far, but I do notice a difference in quality/sharpness even when I set my 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.2 to 2.8. Don't get me wrong, its not a terrible lens, its just that I expected more for over 1K.
I only have an EF-S wide-angle lens to compare to, and its obviously worse. Perhaps its unfair to judge between a fixed and a wide-angle lens?
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Amazing Lens, Monday, 16 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens is absolutely amazing and worth every penny. It's sharp throughout the range and it feels like I am shooting with a prime. I highly recommend this lens.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Going on vacation? , Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Many people have stated the facts about this lens. Instead of restating them, let me add what I use it for:
For nature photography, this is the only lens I need. Just put something pretty in the foreground (flowers, rocks, etc.) and let the lens magically stretch out the horizon to add drama and flair to the shot. Makes beaches MAGICAL... Makes forests imposing. Adds desolation to the desert.
And from a business perspective:
As a wedding shooter, I use it to stretch out small/boring churches and make them more dramatic. It is also great to use from above for dancefloor shots and really makes the shots DYNAMIC and interesting.
And finally: If you are deciding between this and the 17-40, let me save you some time... there is a huge difference between 16mm and 17mm. Don't waste time buying the 17 and then selling it at a loss to upgrade like I did.
If you're going to go wide.. go wide baby. ;)
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
EF16-35mm f/2.8L II , Tuesday, 09 December 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
The EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM ultra wide angle ZOOM lens captures amazing colors and is a great walk-around lens. I'm very pleased with the image quality I'm getting from this lens. Wide open results are very sharp. This is a very nice size and weight for comfortable, sure handling which makes it a joy to use. Wide angle full frame corners are excellent for a lens this wide. This is a professional lens, very high quality with the "L" designation. It is fully weather sealed to protect against dust and moisture. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens is perfect for the wide work outdoor landscape photography, indoor events such as stage work, parties, wedding and for other photojournalism needs.
I spent months researching this lens. I debate between the cheaper 17-40L and the 16-35mm 2.8 II lenses. There is a big difference in price between the lenses. In the end, I felt that having the extra stop of light and wider angle was more important than saving a few dollars. After receiving the lens and doing some shootings, I have been nothing be astounded by the quality of photos I have taken with this lens. Images are very bright, and I do so love that f/2.8.
This is the 4th Canon lens that I own: EF100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM, EF180mm F3.5L Macro USM, EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Great Lense 4 Full-frame ... Need wider for Crop C, Saturday, 29 November 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I am not a pro, just a starting event photographer. However, for a year now I have been shopping around for photo equipment: online, in NYC stores, trying out friend's equipmnet, reading reviews, etc. This is a great lens, really sharp, + the 2.8 (which gives great flexibility at low light). However, I have been using it with the Canon 40D (1.6x crop camera); after the first gig I realized that it is not wide enouth. If you a starting up with a crop body and are planning a timely purchase of a full-frame, you will not go wrong with this lens. If not, I would recomend looking into the EF-S 10-22mm. Good luck!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Ultra Wide Angle Zo, Sunday, 05 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I am a hobbiest with a 30D.
This is my first 'L' series lens. I stressed over getting the EF-S 10mm-22mm and the f4 versions both of which are half the price of this lens. I went over the reviews here and at FMreviews. Next, I thought about where I would be using this lens. I tend to shoot in lower light situations and I really wanted to see what this 'L' series lens was all about. I also thought about the future and my plan to eventually go to a full frame camera. I didn't want to have to buy another wide angle lens so this is actually a better idea to have one great lens for both bodies. I wish the included hood was a bit wider as it doesn't help with a bright sun overhead. Other than that I'm very happy with my new lens and will look forward to seeing the world larger than before.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Worth the price over the 17-40mm f/4, Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I have both the 16-35MM II and the 17-40mm. At the end of the day the images produced by both lenses are sharp. The main difference is the speed. f/2.8 v f/4. When daylight turns to dusk and you're still shooting (ambient light) the option to open up the lens makes it worth it.
Sure its twice the price but the ability to gather more light to get those shots makes it worth it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Perhaps my most versatile lens. Excellent quality!, Friday, 04 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I now own 4 "L" lenses (see below). This 16-35mm f/2.8L is perhaps the most versatile for my needs. I often shoot interiors and landscapes at the wider ranges and the overall quality is excellent. The build quality of this lens is superb (as it should be). The lens is fast, quiet, focuses quickly, and I have no complaints. - When I'm shooting indoors where there are lots of people, this is the lens I use.
Canon Digital EOS 40D Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Canon EF 1.4X II Extender
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
16-35mm Worth the Extra Money, Thursday, 03 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I was debating between the cheaper 17-40L and the 16-35mm 2.8 II lenses. There is a significant difference in price between the lenses. In the end, I felt that having the extra stop of light was more important than saving a few dollars. After receiving the lense, I have been nothing be astounded by the quality of photos taken with this lens. Lens build and Image Quality are top notch. While I've seen the 17-40 produce high quality pictures, I wasn't about to sacrificy the F2.8 over the F4.
For those not needing the extra stop of light and plan to do outdoor landscape photography, the 17-40 will work just as well. If you want the extra stop of light or do indoor photography, the 16-35mm is better suited for you.
