The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS 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 Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II with a length of 114mm, is 13mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II's 83mm diameter.
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
Comparison image of the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM Size and Weight 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 RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM weighs 840g, 3% (32g) lighter than the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II's weight of 872g.
Filter Threads
The Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM has a 82mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II:
And these are the 82mm filters that we recommend for the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM has the Canon RF lens mount . Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A99 II , Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount and Canon R6 V , Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount.
Focal Range
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has a focal range of 16-35mm and
2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
24 - 52.5mm .
On the other hand, the 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 .
