CANON EF 16-35mm f/2.8l USM III £2159/$2199

The latest edition of Canon’s ‘trinity’ zoom represents a major overhaul

Canon’s top-notch EF 16-35mm joins the latest EF 24-70mm and EF 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms, as the wide-angle lens in the ‘trinity’ collection. The max viewing angle is less than from the Sigma 14-24mm and Tamron 15-30mm full-frame lenses on test, equating to 108 degrees compared with 114 or 110 degrees.

The Mk III is extensively redesigned compared with Canon’s previous edition. It gains a large and complex double-surface GMO (Glass Moulded) aspherical element at the front, adding to two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements and a ground aspherical element at the rear. Upgraded, high-tech coatings include both SWC (Subwavelength Coating) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) for greater resistance to ghosting and flare.

The lens is physically quite long at 128mm, considering that it doesn’t have a built-in fixed hood, and the filter attachment thread is fairly large at 82mm. Ring-type ultrasonic autofocus is quick and quiet, and there’s a smooth action to the zoom and focus rings.

Performance

Centre-sharpness and contrast are exceptional when shooting wide-open at f/2.8, throughout the entire zoom range. The Mk III also has much improved corner-sharpness compared with the previous edition, but still lags behind the competing Sigma 14-24mm in this respect.