Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L EF USM

Canon has released one of the world's best wide-angle zoom lenses, the EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM. Inheriting the excellent performance of the 17-35mm f/2.8L USM, the new EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM has the widest zoom range in its class.

The proliferation of digital SLRs with smaller frame sizes than 35mm film cameras has led to an increase in demand for short throw lenses and spurred the development of the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. It is the first EF series lens to feature three types of aspherical elements (manufactured by unique grinding and shaping techniques) to effectively correct zoom aberrations. And despite the wider zoom range, the EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM delivers best-in-class image quality.

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM lens features two ultra-low dispersion elements that correct for chromatic aberrations that are common with wide-angle lenses. Therefore, there is practically no red border along the edge of the object being shot, and the image is characterized by high resolution and contrast. Internal focus and ring ultrasonic motor (USM) are fast and quiet, and a new ring aperture, combined with a fast lens, provides better reproduction of blurry backgrounds.

Improvements in the focus system made it possible to achieve a minimum focus distance of 0.28 m throughout the entire zoom range. The non-rotating front lens makes shooting with a polarizing filter more convenient. The lens mount, control panel, zoom ring, and focus ring are water and dust resistant for operation in the harshest weather conditions. At the rear of the lens there is a holder for a plug-in gelatin filter.

Like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, this lens features a new electromagnetic annular diaphragm motor. Its near-round aperture at wide apertures (from f/2.8 to f/5.6) enhances the reproduction of point light sources and blurry backgrounds. The secondary iris cuts out unwanted light, increasing image contrast.