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16-35mm 2.8L mk3 lensCanon EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

Overview

Canon's 3nd version of the 16-35mm wide angle zoom marks another solid update to the lens design.

The front element stays at 82mm. The design improves coatings and robustness, and adds a uses a large diameter GMO (glass-molded) dual surface aspherical lens, improving vignetting and edge sharpness over the previous version.

Due to ship: October 2016

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

  Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM
Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 16–35 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Canon EF
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 16
Groups 11
Special elements / coatings 1 dual-surface aspherical, 1 aspherical + fluorine, Air Sphere, Sub-wavelength Structure coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.28 m (11.02″)
Maximum magnification 0.25×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 790 g (1.74 lb)
Diameter 89 mm (3.48″)
Length 128 mm (5.02″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (internal)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 82.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code EW-88D
Tripod collar No

optical design

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts)

Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture.
Blue lines show the performance at f/8

Thick lines indicate lens contrast
Thin lines indicate lens resolution

Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines.
Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines

Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas.

Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

Features (from Canon US)

How swc coating works

How ASC works

16-35mm 2.8L mk3 side viewEF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM reviews and articles

  • Canon UK | US info page
  • Amazon
  • Northlight Images
  • Canon CPN article
  • Fred Miranda
  • Lens Tip
  • Digital Picture
  • PhotoZone
  • SLR Gear
  • Lens Review
  • ePhotozine
Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

None available at present

16-35mm 2.8L mk3 oblique view

Product launch

The 15-35 mk3 was announced at the same time as the Canon 5D mk4 camera and 24-105 F4L MK2 lens (August 2016)

This from the press release:

New Canon EF Lenses and EOS Accessories
In addition to the new EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR, Canon is also introducing two EF-Series L-series lenses as well as a variety of EOS accessories. The new EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens features a large diameter GMO dual surface aspherical lens and ground aspherical lens, f/2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, fluorine coating, improved durability and is dust and water resistant. The new EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Standard Zoom lens features an improved four-stop image stabilization as well as ghosting and flare reduction with air sphere coating. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens is scheduled to be available late in October for an estimated retail price of $2,199.00†† and the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Standard Zoom Lens is scheduled to be available in late October for an estimated retail price of $1,099.00††.

Additional EOS accessories include the Canon Battery Grip BG-E20, Canon Rain Cover ERC-E5S/E5M/E5L and Canon Protecting Cloth PC-E1. For more information about all these products and accessories, please visit: https://www.usa.canon.com/5D4Legend

††Availability, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

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