Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Canon

EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

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Canon

EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

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Verdict at a glance

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is faster by 2.3 stops (f/16.0 vs f/35.0), letting in more light.
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is lighter by 280g.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM goes wider (16mm vs 35mm).
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is the newer design (2014 vs 2012).

Specification comparison
Spec	EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM	EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
Brand	Canon	Canon
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF
Type	Wide Zoom	Prime
Focal length	16-35mm (wider)	35mm
Max aperture	f/16.0 (faster)	f/35.0
Released	2014	2012
Blades	9	8
Format	full-frame	full-frame
Groups	12	8
Af motor	USM	USM
Elements	16	10
Weight g	615.0	335.0 (lighter)
Filter mm	77	67
Length mm	112.8	62.6
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	82.6	77.9
Min focus m	0.28	0.24 (closer focusing)
Max magnification	0.23	0.24

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

A stabilized wide-angle zoom with a constant f/4 aperture. Smaller and lighter than the f/2.8 versions, with a 77mm filter thread.

Pros

Image stabilization
Sharp across the frame
Lighter than the f/2.8
77mm filter thread

Cons

f/4 limits astrophotography
Less shallow depth of field
Not as fast as the f/2.8 versions

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

The EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a compact wide-normal prime with a hybrid image stabilizer and f/2 aperture. Covers full frame and works on APS-C Canon EF bodies.

Pros

Image stabilization
Small and light
Close minimum focus distance (0.24 m)
Quick ring USM focus

Cons

f/2 is slower than the f/1.4L
Not an L-series build
Less background blur than f/1.4

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