Canon EF16-35/2.8 L USM Lens
The high performance ultra wide angle zoom lens
Developed to succeed the high-performance EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM has the leading wide-angle zoom range in its class. In response to increased demand for ultra-wide zoom lenses for 35mm SLR cameras, and digital SLR Camera’s that tend to have a smaller frame size when compared to the 35mm, Canon has developed the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. This is the first Canon EF lens to incorporate three types of aspherical elements (ground, replicated and Gmo [glass molded]) to effectively correct the aberrations that occur during zooming. And despite its longer zoom range the EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM delivers the highest image quality in its class.
The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM has two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements, which effectively correct the chromatic aberrations prone to occur in wide-angle lenses. As a result, colour fringing along the edges of the subject is virtually eliminated and both image resolution and contrast are exceptionally high. The inner focusing and ring type USM (Ultrasonic motor) ensures both silent and high-speed AF operation.
By increasing the focusing group’s power, a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m throughout the zoom range is attained. Since the lenses front element does not rotate during focusing, the effect of a circular-polarizing (PL-C) filter, attached to the lens, is retained during both focusing and zooming. The lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ring use Canon’s unique dust and moisture resistant design making this lens suitable for use in harsh environments. A drop-in, gelatin filter holder is provided at the rear of the lens.
Like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM this lens incorporates a newly developed EMD (Electromagnetic diaphragm) featuring a circular aperture. The EMD maintains a near-circle opening at large apertures, which offers attractive background blur and is useful for portraits when combined with the fast f/2.8 aperture. The diaphragm opening forms a near circle at apertures from f/2.8 to f/5.6. The secondary diaphragm cuts out unwanted light to help improve the image contrast.
The ultra-wide angle zoom range of the EF 16-35 f/2.8L USM is ideal for use on digital SLR cameras. Generally digital SLR cameras have a smaller imaging area than a 35mm SLR camera. This means the effective focal length is increased by the same ratio as the size difference. On the EOS D30 the effective focal length of the lens is 26-56mm equivalent in 35mm format while on the EOS-1D the equivalent focal length is 21-46mm. The EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM is supplied with the newly developed bayonet-type Hood EW-83E which is easier to attach and more durable. The hood features a petal-shaped design and a velvet material inside for maximum light absorption.
Key Features
- Rear gelatin filter slot
- Lens retains the popular 77mm filter size shared by other Canon "L" zoom lenses
- Better close focusing than the 17-35mm f/2.8 "L" predecessor
- Entirely internal focusing and zooming movement
- Dust and moisture resistance is equal to the levels of the EOS 1-V and 1-D cameras
- Circular aperture diaphragm produces brilliant out-of-focus characteristics