Covering a useful wide-angle focal length range, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens Reviewis a Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens ReviewL-series lens distinguished by its constant f/4 maximum aperture, sophisticated optical design, and use of image stabilization to realize sharp imagery. Two ultra-low dispersion elements are used to greatly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range for high clarity and color accuracy, and a Super Spectra coating has also been applied to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast. Three aspherical elements are also featured and help to control distortion and minimize spherical aberrations for improved sharpness.

Complementing the imaging capabilities, this wide-angle zoom also features a four-stop-effective Image Stabilizer system that minimizes the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. A ring-type USM and internal focusing mechanism also afford quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance, as well as full-time manual focus override. Additionally, this lens is weather-sealed and has a protective fluorine coating on the exposed elements for use in trying environmental conditions.

Open Box Products Have a Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty    EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22    Two Ultra-Low Dispersion Elements    Three Aspherical Elements    Super Spectra and Fluorine Coatings    Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System    Optical Image Stabilizer    Weather-Sealed Construction    Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Wide-angle zoom is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 25.6-56mm equivalent focal length range.

Constant f/4 maximum aperture maintains consistent illumination throughout the zoom range.

Two ultra-low dispersion glass elements noticeably reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity and color fidelity.

Three aspherical elements minimize spherical aberrations and distortions for improved sharpness and accurate rendering.

Super Spectra coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare for greater contrast and color neutrality when working in strong lighting conditions.

An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds.

A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with an internal focusing system, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.

Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

Protective fluorine coating has been applied to the front and rear element to resist fingerprints and smudges and to make cleaning these elements significantly easier.

As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I want to get a wide angle lens for my rebel T1i that will work well for a Europe trip and landscape photography. I know the 17-40mm is a popular choice but I was wondering if I should spend a little extra and get a 16-35mm f/4 or go for a considerably cheaper lens in the 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6? Money is an issue but at the same time, I understand how spending extra $ can be a good investment. Any suggestions?

A: A couple of thoughts...I recently returned from Europe. I decided to go light weight, and bought a Canon Rebel SL1 with the 18-55 STM lens. I also carried a Canon 70-300 (non-L) zoom. I am very pleased with the pictures, and was glad to not be carrying a heavy camera. That said, the 18 mm (28.8 mm full frame equivalent) was not really wide enough for me (I like to shoot the architecture and some landscape). The 16-35 would have been better, but it is quite substantial and would have added to the weight (really too heavy for a small camera like the SL1). One of my favorite Canon lenses is the EF-S 15-85. I have used it for several years on a Rebel XT and my 7D. It is a great range for a travel lens (24-136 mm ff equivalent). Very slightly wider than the 16-35, but much longer at the telephoto end. You might consider the 15-85 unless you are getting ready to move to a full frame body. If I take the SL1 next trip to Europe, I will probably take the 15-85 and 10-22.I haven't used the 16-35 on my crop sensor cameras. It is a great lens and I am sure the results would be great, but I really bought it for use on a full frame camera. With its weight, weather-sealing, etc. it is a bit of overkill for the Rebel cameras. On the other hand, if you plan to move to a full frame camera, it might be a good investment in the future.I have never used the 17-40, but I have seen some excellent shots taken with it. I am a somewhat advanced amateur photographer with several Canon L lenses, and for me the 16-35 is the best lens I have ever used.

Q: 2. Does the Canon 16-35 f4 have weather sealing?

A: Yes it has, one of the sharper lenses i have owned

Q: 3. can this be used in heavy rain or down pour?

A: It is weather-sealed as long as you have a filter on the lens. That being said, I certainly would not use this in heavy rain conditions without some kind of cover for additional protection.

Q: 4. Does Canon 16-35 mm f/4 L lens have rear glass sealing like found in 70-200 mm lens? I know it is weather sealed when mounting on a camera, but after taking off the camera is there any protection at the rear end other than the rear cap?

A: there is no sealing on the back of the lens.once the lens is off the camera the rear element is open to the outside

Q: 5. Does anyone have experience with this lens versus the 2.8 version (which is much more $$$). I have heard that within the f-stop range f4.0 and up, this lens is actually better than the 2.8 version. Can anyone with direct experience with both lens comment on whether this lens is better IQ, contrast, etc. ?

A: I own both lenses. The f/4 lens is better in every way...except being a stop slower. The IS of the f/4 version is invaluable. The only advantage of the f/2.8 version is being able to use a 2x faster shutter to photograph moving subjects. I never use the f/2.8 version anymore.

Q: 6. Will this lens fit my Sony a7sii

A: Short answer: No.Longer answer: Technically, with an adapter, it could work, but even then autofocus would likely not work at all. (Unsure about image stabilization.) This is not a good idea. You're much better off buying lenses meant for your camera.

Q: 7. i have 7d for now and want to move up to 5d3 in the future what lenses will i consider from 16mm wide to say 400mm? thank you kindly for your helpful input.

A: First let me say that I love the EF 16-35 f/4L lens. I have a somewhat odd group of lenses as I started out thinking I would not move to FF. The lenses you need will depend on what you like to shoot. I love this lens on my 5Diii. I have not tried it on my 7D as I mostly use the 7D for action shots and birding with longer lenses. I'm sure it will be great on the 7D.The lens I use most on the 5Diii is the 24-105 f/4L. It is a great walk around lens on a FF camera. I like to shoot wide in a lot of situations, so for me the 24-105 length would not be good on the 7D.For longer lenses, I have both the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM and the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lenses. The EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS ii and new EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS ii lenses would be a better combination, but would be significantly more expensive. I am happy with the results I get with the lenses I have, and I particularly like the 70-300 mm range on the FF camera. Obviously there is a lot of overlap here, so you should be able to get by with only one of the lenses, depending on your needs.I also like having some decent prime lenses for the added speed and shallow depth of field. My thought is that by having both crop sensor and full frame cameras, each prime is like having two lenses, e.g., the 85mm f/1.8 lens I recently purchased (used) is roughly equivalent to a 136 mm lens on the 7D. I have the EF 28 f/2.8 IS lens. I bought it before I decided to move to FF as it is roughly equivalent to a normal lens on the 7D (44.8mm). Had I known I was going to move to FF, I would have chosen the EF 24 f/2.8 IS lens instead because I much prefer the 24mm verses the 28mm focal length on a FF camera. Finally, I have the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. I would love to have the L primes, but I do not use the primes enough to justify the cost.

Q: 8. Hello! I was wondering if the material of the lens is made out of metal or plastic? Thanks!

A: Plastic on the outside and metal on the inside. This is a solid lens that I highly recommend.

Q: 9. Does it come with a lens hood?

A: Yes

Q: 10. Is this compatible with aps-c camera like the canon 80D?

A: Yes, I used it on my 7D and also on my 5D without any problems. It's my primary lense.