Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II

This Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens is just fantastic for nature photography, in fact, this is the only lens you need. Just put something of significance in the foreground (flowers, rocks, branches, etc.) and let the lens perform a sleight of hand to stretch out the horizon and to add drama and flair to the image. Turns beaches into sparkling stretches of sand... Creates mysterious enchanted forests. Adds serene barrenness to the desert.

For shooting weddings, it can be employed to extend small uninspiring churches and make them more impressive. It is also great to use from above for dance floor images and truly makes the shots full of life and out of the ordinary.

If you are trying to decide between this and the 17-40,  Forget the sloooow 17-40 for indoor use,  as you will just end up selling it at a loss to upgrade to the 16-35 later.

Like all L series lenses, this one is built extremely solid. It may feel fairly large and bulky to those who haven't used L series lenses before. The extra bulk is comes from higher quality glass and the use of more durable materials (metal vs. plastic).

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is a high performance, water-resistant, and ultra wide angle Canon L-series lens. It has been specifically designed for improved edge-to-edge image quality that will meet the strict requirements of professional and high-end amateur photographers.

It features 3 high-precision different types of aspherical lens elements such as ground, replica and GMo. The circular aperture produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other features include internal focusing, a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic Monitor), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet auto-focusing.

• Focal Length & Maximum Aperture is 16-35mm & f/2.8

• Lens Construction is 16 elements in 12 groups.

• Diagonal Angle of View is a Wide 108°10' - 63°.

• Focus Adjustment is AF with full time manual.

• Closest Focusing Distance is 0.92 ft. / 0.28m.

• Filter Size is 82mm, Pitch = 0.75mm / 1 filter.

• Max. Diameter x Length is 3.5 in. x 4.4 in. / 88.5mm x 111.6mm

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 16-35mm f/2.8

Lens Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups

Diagonal Angle of View: 108°10'-63°

Focus Adjustment: AF with full-time manual

Closest Focusing Distance: 0.92 ft./0.28m

Filter Size: 82mm, P=0.75mm/1 filter

Max. Diameter x Length: 3.5 in. x 4.4 in./ 88.5mm x 111.6mm

• 82mm Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap E
• Lens Hood EW88
• Lens Case LP1319
• 1 Year Canon USA Warranty

great lens and great photos, May 18, 2009

By Z "Z" (Rogers, AR)

Update on 06/05: If the exposure is correct, the image is sharp at ANY focal length. Greatest lens for landscape and portrait. There is no dark corner and no distortion.

Having the lens for 5 days, I am very happy with this lens. This is my first L lens and it is much better than any of other lenses. The lens was put on my XTI camera. I ignored all the comments that this lens does not match this camera. What I wanted to do is to get nice pictures on the camera on hand. Widness is not the only issue to measure the quality of the lens. I uploaded one picture and definitely that is not the best picture because I am still improving my photographic skills.

Bought $1350 at Buydig with a $150 Heleopan UV filter.

By John B. Kalla "Amateur Photographer & Mac Fan... (Aurora, CO USA)

I've had this lens for almost a year, but hadn't used it much until this weekend, as my Sigma 30mm & 50mm f/1.4 lenses were better fits for low-light situations. However, this weekend I took it to Pawnee National Grassland for some shooting, and I must say, I'm very glad I purchased this lens! At the time, the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM was very attractive due to its low price, but I went with the 16-35mm because of its better low-light performance. I love the pictures this lens produces! And having f/2.8 instead of f/4 might not seem like a lot of difference, but it is. The only thing that could make this lens better would be Image Stabilization (IS), but I'm fine without that as I can use my Sigma lenses if I really need the low-light performance. If you look at my posted photo of a windmill, you'll see what this lens and a total amateur are capable of!

If you would really be stretching your budget to buy this lens, the 17-40mm f/4L and a fast Sigma prime might be a better option for you, but if you can afford it, this lens will thank you for years! This lens, paired with a fast 50mm (f/1.2-1.8) lens, a 135mm f/2L (for full-frame cameras) or the 85mm f/1.2L (for "cropped sensor" cameras), and a 70-200mm of some sort, will keep you content for years. (Unless of course you're a birder, in which case you can never spend enough money on lenses!)

Final Analysis: If you're really considering this lens, get it. If you don't, you'll always wonder. The lack of IS in this range makes it even more important for your zoom lenses to be f/2.8. If it's a huge stretch to afford this lens, Best Prices for the 17-40mm f/4L and a fast 50mm lens, preferably the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM or Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM.