The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM 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. Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 113mm. The Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM with a length of 103mm, is 10mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM's 83mm 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. Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM weighs 600g, 2% (15g) lighter than the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM's weight of 615g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Ultra-Wideangle Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM 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.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
16-35mm but while Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM has the fastest aperture of
F4.0, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM's widest aperture value is
F2.8.