Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC

Both are Canon EF lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Canon · 2007

Pick the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM if

You want a wider view: 16mm vs 18mm at the wide end
Our notes say it suits: Landscape, architecture, photojournalism

Pick the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC if

You need more reach: 50mm vs 35mm at the long end

Spec differences

12 differences

Specifications that differ between the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC
	Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM	Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC
Brand	Canon	Sigma
Type	Wide Zoom	Zoom
Format	Full frame	not listed
Focal length	16-35mm	18-50mm
Weight	640 g	not listed
Length	111.6 mm	not listed
Diameter	88.5 mm	not listed
Filter thread	82 mm	67 mm
Max magnification	0.22× larger	0.2×
Optical design	16 elements / 12 groups	15 elements / 13 groups
Autofocus motor	USM	not listed
Released	2007	not listed

5 identical specs hidden: mount, max aperture, min focus distance, aperture blades, image stabilization. Show all

Mount: Canon EF both
Max aperture: f/2.8 both
Min focus distance: 0.28 m both
Aperture blades: 7 both
Image stabilization: No both

Our notes

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM

The second iteration of Canon's wide-angle f/2.8 L zoom, weather-sealed and popular for landscape and architecture work.

Pros

Constant f/2.8
Weather-sealed
82mm filter thread

Cons

Edges soft at wide apertures
Heavy
No stabilization

Our notes

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC

A 18-50mm f/2.8 APS-C fast standard zoom lens, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC is designed for Canon EF mount bodies. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.