Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Review
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM ($1,699 direct)($1,775.00 at Amazon) is a 2.2x zoom lens, compatible with both Canon APS-C and full-frame cameras. Even though its zoom range is limited, the change of field of view from 16mm to 35mm is a drastic one. The lens is sharp throughout its zoom range, though you'll need to stop it down a bit if edge performance is a concern, and there's some distortion that goes hand-in-hand with an ultra-wide zoom. It's more expensive than the competing Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED($1,775.00 at Amazon), but it is a bit wider and it captures more light at every focal length.
The lens is rather squat, measuring 4.4 by 3.5 inches (HD) and weighing in at 1.4 pounds. The front element is large, there's an 82mm filter thread, and the lens doesn't change length when zooming. The lens hood is included, and is reversible so that the lens won't take up a ton of room in your gear bag. The zoom ring is at the base of the lens, and a large manual focus...
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM covers an impressive wide-angle field of view at an f/2.8 aperture, a feat for a prime lens, and delivers the added convenience of a 2x zoom design.
Ultra-wide field of view; Fixed f/2.8 aperture; Sharp throughout the zoom range
Some distortion; Soft edges at f/2.8; Limited zoom range