The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II 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 RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 127mm. The Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM with a length of 112mm, is 15mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 89mm.
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 II USM weighs 635g, 24% (205g) lighter than the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM's weight of 840g.
Filter Threads
Both the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM have the same Filter thread size of 82mm.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM has a focal range of 15-35mm and
2.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
24 - 56mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II 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.
