Characterized by a revamped optical design, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM from Canon is a workhorse wide-angle zoom and member of the well-regarded L-series of lenses. Featuring a series of specialized elements, this lens utilizes a trio of aspherical elements and two ultra-low dispersion glass elements to control a variety of aberrations for high sharpness and clarity. Both SWC and ASC coatings have also been applied to the elements in order to reduce lens flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color accuracy.

Complementing its optical prowess, a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor offers fast, smooth, and near-silent autofocus performance, which is further benefitted by full-time manual focus operation and an internal focusing design. The lens is both water and dust-resistant, and fluorine coatings have also been applied to the front and rear elements to protect against fingerprints and smudges from affecting image quality.

EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22    Three Aspherical and Two UD Elements    SWC, Air Sphere, and Fluorine Coatings    Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System    Weather-Sealed Construction    Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Wide-angle zoom 16-35mm lens is compatible with full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, as well as APS-C-sized models where it will provide a 25.6-56mm equivalent focal length range.

Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture offers consistent performance and excellent light transmission throughout the zoom range.

Two large-diameter glass-molded dual-surface aspherical elements and one ground aspherical element help to minimize distortions and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range in order to maintain edge-to-edge sharpness and illumination.

Two ultra-low dispersion elements are used to minimize chromatic aberrations as well as eliminate color blurring around the edges of subjects.

Both a Subwavelength Coating (SWC) and an Air Sphere Coating (ASC) have been applied to lens elements to reduce backlit flaring and ghosting for maintained light transmission and high contrast in strong lighting conditions.

A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with an internal focusing system, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF algorithms, are employed to deliver fast, precise, and near-silent autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.

As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions.

Protective fluorine coating has been applied to the front bulbous element to resist fingerprints and smudges and to make cleaning significantly easier.

Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is this compatible with a cannon rebel t3i?

A: The lens will work with the Canon rebel, however because of its smaller sensor size the focal length will not be at 16mm -35mm. On your Rebel the crop factor is 1.6 so your focal length would be 25.6mm - 56mm. The Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens is the 35mm equivalent of the 16-35mm focal length. However there is a significant difference in the quality of the EFS 10-22mm versus the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens.

Q: 2. I have Zeiss ZE 21mm, 28mm & 35mm and love them to death. Would getting the new 16-35mm iii replace my Zeiss lenses? I know I'll benefit from the autofocus but I'm worried about losing the Zeiss look. Any opinions from Zeiss owners/previous owners?

A: I use Zeiss lenses with my Hasselblad and use the Canon 16-35mm III on the Canon 5d Mark IV. I have acheived some great shots with the 16-35, but have been thinking of getting a 50 or 35 prime (or both if funds allow). Personally the only benefit besides auto focus is you won't have to change your lenses depending on your needs. I would rather use a Zeiss prime over a zoom any day, you can't beat the quality. Hope this helps.

Q: 3. Does this lens accept screw on filters?

A: Yes. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens has a front filter thread size of 82mm.

Q: 4. Hi guys. I shoot fast moving subjects in AI Servo. Wondering what would be better the 16-35 f/4 with IS or this new 2.8 with an extra stop of light. Any recommendations?

A: I would recommend the faster lens for your situation. I own the 2.8 and am very pleased with sharpness in low light and fast moving action.

Q: 5. Does this lens vingette at f2.8?

A: There is vignetting but it's quite pleasing looking. You can correct this in software. The sharpness of this lens is worth it.

Q: 6. Anyone have any experience with using this lens on a C500mkii or the new C300mkiii?

A: Works great on both cameras.

Q: 7. Can F2.8 be used for entire focal range (16-35)?

A: Yes. This is a constant aperture zoom lens.

Q: 8. Is it compatible with Canon APS-C Cameras (e.g a 60D)?

A: Yes it is. I also have an APS-C in the 7D Mark II. On the APS-C it is equivalent to a 25.6-56mm.

Q: 9. How well does this lens handle night skies? Star coma in particular.

A: The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens has a wide f/2.8 aperture. So the lens will handle night skies well.

Q: 10. When focused on infinity, what is the closest distance that is also in focus?

A: there are more variables involved but on a wide angle lens it is fairly short distance