The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 17-40mm f4.0L 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 f2.8L USM is the longer of the two lenses at 103mm. The Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM with a length of 97mm, is 6mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 84mm.
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 17-40mm f4.0L USM weighs 500g, which means it is 100g (16%) lighter than the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM which has a weight of 600g.
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 17-40mm f4.0L 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 17-40mm f4.0L 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
Canon 17-40mm f4.0L USM has a focal range of 17-40mm and
2.4X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
27.2 - 64mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM 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.