Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8 L USM II Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2007.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle zoom lenses, a wide angle lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 2007 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8 L USM II:

"The Canon EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, developed as successor to the popular EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens launched in December 2001, incorporates three different types of aspherical lens elements and two UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements to realize an even higher level of image quality than its predecessor. Inheriting the same outstanding wide-angle 16 mm focal length, the new Canon zoom lens favorably corrects for various aberrations to achieve improved peripheral image quality at the wide-angle end.

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is a high performance, water-resistant, and ultra wide-angle Canon L-series lens. It has been specifically designed for improved edge-to-edge image quality that will meet the strict requirements of professional and high-end amateur photographers. It features 3 high-precision aspherical lens elements, each of a different type: ground, replica and GMo for even better image quality than the original EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. The circular aperture produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other features include internal focusing, a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic Monitor), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 16-35 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 16 mm or at 35 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 82 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "EW-88".

Images of Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8 L USM II

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/2,8
  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
  • Heavy (635 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8 L USM II.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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