CANON EF 16-35mm f/4l IS USM £829/$999

A relatively compact and lightweight full-frame compatible lens with sturdy L-series build quality

Launched about six years ago at the same time as the EF-S 10-18mm lens for APS-C cameras (also on test), this was Canon’s first ultra-wide zoom for full-frame DSLRS to feature image stabilization. Indeed, the newly designed stabilizer was made specifically for this lens and gives a 4-stop benefit.

Having an f/4 aperture rating, the lens is considerably smaller and lighter than Canon’s 16-35mm f/2.8 zoom, and is only about half as expensive. Still, it has premium optics with GMO (Glass Moulded) aspherical elements, including a largediameter one at the front, plus two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements. Super Spectra Coating is applied, as well as fluorine coatings.

Build is up to the L-series standard, aimed at pro and enthusiast photographers, and the lens comes with weatherseals and a bayonet-fit hood. The filter thread is notably smaller than in the f/2.8 lens, at 77mm compared with 82mm. AF is taken care of by a fast and quiet ring-type ultrasonic actuator, with the usual availability of full-time manual override and a focus distance scale under the viewing panel.

Performance

Centre-sharpness is great, even when shooting wideopen at f/4 and remains good at the edges of the frame, but it drops off at the extreme corners. Colour fringing is minimal, but not as negligible as the other full-frame lenses on test, and distortion can be noticeable at the short end of the zoom range.