The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 is the longer of the two lenses at 135mm. The Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III with a length of 128mm, is 7mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 also has a larger diameter of 103mm compared to the Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III's 89mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 weighs 730g, 7% (60g) lighter than the Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III's weight of 790g.
Filter Threads
The Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 has a 95mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III:
And these are the 95mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Canon 16-35mm F2.8L III has a focal range of 16-35mm and
2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
25.6 - 56mm.
On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T2,8/15 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 15mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24mm.