The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens is a high performance, water-resistant, and ultra wide-angle L-series lens. The optical design has been improved to offer better edge-to-edge image quality. In addition, it features 3 high-precision aspherical lens elements, each of a different type: ground, replica and GMo. Improved AF algorithms will help the lens to focus faster and quieter.
All of the "L" lenses deliver optical performance equal to similar fixed focal lengths lenses, and the USM lenses do this with silent, high-speed focusing. Distortions and aberrations are remarkably small for a lens of such amazing capabilities.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 16 - 35 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 108° - 63° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.2" (28 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.22x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.5 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 82 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.5 x 4.4" (8.89 x 11.18 cm) |
| Weight | 1.4 lb (635 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
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Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic Wide Angle Lens
Fantastic wide angle lens that really shines on a full frame body such as the Canon 5D Mark II.I originally had the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM which produced good images with high ...Read complete review
Fantastic wide angle lens that really shines on a full frame body such as the Canon 5D Mark II.I originally had the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM which produced good images with high contrast and good colour reproduction, but sharpness was poor. In comparison, the 16-35mm II is ultra-sharp in the middle and more than acceptable in the corners (even when pixel peeping), with fantastic contrast and colours. The AF is fast and the build is solid.Some sample photos on different bodies:5D II: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157757391/in/photostream5D II: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157760781/in/photostream5D II: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157758417/in/photostream7D: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157759497/in/photostream7D: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6158293534/in/photostream20D: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157752733/in/photostream
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
I guess I got a bad copy
I have to say, I am a little suprised by all the reviews I have read regarding bad copies of a lens. I am shocked that at this price point, canon does not have...Read complete review
I have to say, I am a little suprised by all the reviews I have read regarding bad copies of a lens. I am shocked that at this price point, canon does not have some better quality control. These must be streaming out of china now or something. Anyways, this lens looks and feels well built, but the zoom was not real smooth. The shots I took were just not sharp or nice. My cheap kit lens on my 2Ti took far superior shots. I had this on my 5Dmk2 btw. I have 1 good lens, 100mm f/2.8 macro II L. That is just a mind blowing lens imo. I also have a vanilla canon 28mm f/2.8. Even the little 28 takes simply amazing crisp spot on shots. I have to say, the shots I took with this were washed out, not sharp and just plain dull. I have read some great reviews regarding this lens, and so I assume I got one of the talked about "bad copies". I would try it again someday, but for now I will just stick with primes. I guess I will replace it with the 14mm f/1.4 L canon prime lens. I did own a Sigma 10-22 that was used on my T2i, and it was simply an amazing lens. I miss it! it wont really work on the ff sensor though. Cheers Everyone!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 837 customers
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Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I previously had an APS-C system using the 10-22mm Canon on my 40D for awesome wide photographs. Since upgrading (finally) to the 5D mk3, I've been itching to replace the 10-22mm for the equivelant in full frame. I had used the 16-35 mk1 on my friends 5D and was very happy with the results. The 16-35 mk2 jumps from 77mm to 82mm and thus is not only faster, but takes clearer photos (check out some of the online reviews). Needless to say, I am really happy to finally shoot ultra wide using my 5D body. I have heard rumors that Canon is researching a 14-25mm to compete with the famous Nikon pro lens. When that one comes out, I will be the first in line to get it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this primarily for landscape but it is also an exceptional lens for close work around subjects indoors and out. It is a replacement for my old 17-35mm f/2.8L. It's considerably sharper of course. The price is lofty, however it sees a lot of use, probably one of my most used lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I just used this lens for the 1st time, 2 nights ago. I am pleased with the range, and sharpness of it.I can't wait to use it more!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
you need that epic wide view !? that's your lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
With L lens you never disappoint .
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for multiple purposes. I am a freelance photographer and my range of tasks are anywhere from landscapes, night landscapes, architectural photography and much more.
This lens is amazing with the quality and sharpness. The 2.8 really comes in handy with night shooting or interior shooting. Another great use is with filming as well, the wide angle gives it that cinematic widescreen feel.
I haven't had any issues with this lens, and would recommend it to any photographer who does a lot of interior/exterior landscapes, or does filming. This is definitely a must have lens in your arsenal of lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Love this lens. Great for landscapes. Great on bringing out the colors. May be a tad soft in some areas, but this is a wide angle. Built solid. Over all, I'm very pleased. Great in low light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I purchased this lens to upgrade and replace my beloved 17-40L. This lens has a fantastic feel. The zoom and focus ring has just the right amount of stiffness and dampening to feel sturdy and secure. Optics and focusing are top notch. I use this lens for group shots and landscape/architecture photographs. It was difficult to pull the trigger on replacing my 17-40 since this lens is double the price - but it is well worth it and I am glad I did.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a excellent product
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
A very nice lens for landscape photography
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Great for landscapes, good weight to quality ratio (ie worth carrying on long hikes because the images are excellent), worth the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Very sharp lens. Great for low light and shooting buildings. I also use it a lot for video on a Glidecam HD and it is really the right lens for that application. The perspective you get is ideal.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I wanted this lens so I sold my 17-40mm f/4 and my Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 when I decided I would be upgrading to a full-frame camera soon. This lens is perfect...great Canon quality and great clear photos with bokeh that cannot be beat! I love it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for wedding photography, and it's excellent. Good glass, wide aperture (anything bigger and the shallow depth of field is too much for my liking, and great for taking photos in tight spaces.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Great Lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I love the product for Architectural and Wedding shoots, but even have fun just using it with my own kids. Very happy with the results.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This is my first "L" series lens and I could not be more pleaseed with it. The 16-35mm range coupled to my 7D is giving me fresh new photographic inspiration. Most impressive are the clarity of the images in my initial shooting experiences. Equally impressive is the speed of the auto focus which is very fast. This is a stout, well built tool which feels of quality. I look forward to utilizing the great f/stop range for better and more creative photos. As I am able I will assuredly be purchasing more of the "L" type lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Nice lens. Easy to use and works great for landscape photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
There is so much great stuff I could say about this lens!
Shallow Depth of Field, super clear, very little vertical distortion.
I use it with my 7d for video on my Glidecam... the combo is stunning! I don't leave home without it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Nice bokeh, some vignetting at 16 mm on a full-frame. Recommend a B+W slim UV filter to complete weather sealing over a B+W XS-Pro filter, the latter of which exhibits slightly more vignetting. But beware, the stock lens cap doesn't work with a B+W slim filter. Zoom and focus movement is smooth. Nice lens.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic Wide Angle Lens
Fantastic wide angle lens that really shines on a full frame body such as the Canon 5D Mark II.I originally had the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM which produced good images with high ...Read complete review
Fantastic wide angle lens that really shines on a full frame body such as the Canon 5D Mark II.I originally had the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM which produced good images with high contrast and good colour reproduction, but sharpness was poor. In comparison, the 16-35mm II is ultra-sharp in the middle and more than acceptable in the corners (even when pixel peeping), with fantastic contrast and colours. The AF is fast and the build is solid.Some sample photos on different bodies:5D II: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157757391/in/photostream5D II: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157760781/in/photostream5D II: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157758417/in/photostream7D: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157759497/in/photostream7D: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6158293534/in/photostream20D: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filipmakowski/6157752733/in/photostream
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
I guess I got a bad copy
I have to say, I am a little suprised by all the reviews I have read regarding bad copies of a lens. I am shocked that at this price point, canon does not have...Read complete review
I have to say, I am a little suprised by all the reviews I have read regarding bad copies of a lens. I am shocked that at this price point, canon does not have some better quality control. These must be streaming out of china now or something. Anyways, this lens looks and feels well built, but the zoom was not real smooth. The shots I took were just not sharp or nice. My cheap kit lens on my 2Ti took far superior shots. I had this on my 5Dmk2 btw. I have 1 good lens, 100mm f/2.8 macro II L. That is just a mind blowing lens imo. I also have a vanilla canon 28mm f/2.8. Even the little 28 takes simply amazing crisp spot on shots. I have to say, the shots I took with this were washed out, not sharp and just plain dull. I have read some great reviews regarding this lens, and so I assume I got one of the talked about "bad copies". I would try it again someday, but for now I will just stick with primes. I guess I will replace it with the 14mm f/1.4 L canon prime lens. I did own a Sigma 10-22 that was used on my T2i, and it was simply an amazing lens. I miss it! it wont really work on the ff sensor though. Cheers Everyone!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 837 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I previously had an APS-C system using the 10-22mm Canon on my 40D for awesome wide photographs. Since upgrading (finally) to the 5D mk3, I've been itching to replace the 10-22mm for the equivelant in full frame. I had used the 16-35 mk1 on my friends 5D and was very happy with the results. The 16-35 mk2 jumps from 77mm to 82mm and thus is not only faster, but takes clearer photos (check out some of the online reviews). Needless to say, I am really happy to finally shoot ultra wide using my 5D body. I have heard rumors that Canon is researching a 14-25mm to compete with the famous Nikon pro lens. When that one comes out, I will be the first in line to get it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this primarily for landscape but it is also an exceptional lens for close work around subjects indoors and out. It is a replacement for my old 17-35mm f/2.8L. It's considerably sharper of course. The price is lofty, however it sees a lot of use, probably one of my most used lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I just used this lens for the 1st time, 2 nights ago. I am pleased with the range, and sharpness of it.I can't wait to use it more!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
you need that epic wide view !? that's your lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
With L lens you never disappoint .
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for multiple purposes. I am a freelance photographer and my range of tasks are anywhere from landscapes, night landscapes, architectural photography and much more.
This lens is amazing with the quality and sharpness. The 2.8 really comes in handy with night shooting or interior shooting. Another great use is with filming as well, the wide angle gives it that cinematic widescreen feel.
I haven't had any issues with this lens, and would recommend it to any photographer who does a lot of interior/exterior landscapes, or does filming. This is definitely a must have lens in your arsenal of lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Love this lens. Great for landscapes. Great on bringing out the colors. May be a tad soft in some areas, but this is a wide angle. Built solid. Over all, I'm very pleased. Great in low light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I purchased this lens to upgrade and replace my beloved 17-40L. This lens has a fantastic feel. The zoom and focus ring has just the right amount of stiffness and dampening to feel sturdy and secure. Optics and focusing are top notch. I use this lens for group shots and landscape/architecture photographs. It was difficult to pull the trigger on replacing my 17-40 since this lens is double the price - but it is well worth it and I am glad I did.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a excellent product
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
A very nice lens for landscape photography
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Great for landscapes, good weight to quality ratio (ie worth carrying on long hikes because the images are excellent), worth the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Very sharp lens. Great for low light and shooting buildings. I also use it a lot for video on a Glidecam HD and it is really the right lens for that application. The perspective you get is ideal.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I wanted this lens so I sold my 17-40mm f/4 and my Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 when I decided I would be upgrading to a full-frame camera soon. This lens is perfect...great Canon quality and great clear photos with bokeh that cannot be beat! I love it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for wedding photography, and it's excellent. Good glass, wide aperture (anything bigger and the shallow depth of field is too much for my liking, and great for taking photos in tight spaces.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Great Lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
I love the product for Architectural and Wedding shoots, but even have fun just using it with my own kids. Very happy with the results.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
This is my first "L" series lens and I could not be more pleaseed with it. The 16-35mm range coupled to my 7D is giving me fresh new photographic inspiration. Most impressive are the clarity of the images in my initial shooting experiences. Equally impressive is the speed of the auto focus which is very fast. This is a stout, well built tool which feels of quality. I look forward to utilizing the great f/stop range for better and more creative photos. As I am able I will assuredly be purchasing more of the "L" type lenses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Nice lens. Easy to use and works great for landscape photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
There is so much great stuff I could say about this lens!
Shallow Depth of Field, super clear, very little vertical distortion.
I use it with my 7d for video on my Glidecam... the combo is stunning! I don't leave home without it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens:
Nice bokeh, some vignetting at 16 mm on a full-frame. Recommend a B+W slim UV filter to complete weather sealing over a B+W XS-Pro filter, the latter of which exhibits slightly more vignetting. But beware, the stock lens cap doesn't work with a B+W slim filter. Zoom and focus movement is smooth. Nice lens.