The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and the Canon 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 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. Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF is the longer of the two lenses at 134mm. The Canon 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 USM with a length of 69mm, is 65mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Canon 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 USM's 84mm 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 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 USM weighs 340g, 63% (600g) lighter than the Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF's weight of 940g.
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
Lens Mounts
Both the Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and the Canon 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 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.
Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF has a focal range of 16-28mm and
1.8X 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 - 44.8mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 USM has a focal range of 20-35mm and 1.8X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 32 - 56mm.