§ 03 Head to head

Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM vs Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF

Canon 16–35mm f/2.8 has a longer reach. Tokina 16–28mm f/2.8 has a more aperture blades.

Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM is a 16–35mm f/2.8 zoom, and the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF is a 16–28mm f/2.8 zoom. On paper the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

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01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM better than the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF?

  • Longer reach (35mm vs 28mm)
  • 310 g lighter (640 g vs 950 g)
  • 25 mm shorter (111.6 mm vs 136.5 mm long)

Why is the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF better than the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM?

  • More aperture blades (9 vs 7)
  • Newer design (2019 vs 2007)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • landscape For landscape photography, the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM has the edge: it is 310 g lighter to carry.
  • architecture For architecture, the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM has the edge: it is 310 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

15 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationCanon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USMTokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF
Focal length16–35mm 16–28mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8 f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22 f/22
Lens typeZoom lens Zoom lens
FormatFull frame Full frame
Weight640 g (22.58 oz) ◆950 g (33.51 oz)
Dimensions88.5 x 111.6 mm 136.5 x 89 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.28 m (11.02 inches) 0.28 m (11.02 inches)
Image stabilizationNo No
Aperture ringNo —
Aperture blades7 9 ◆
Optical construction16 elements / 12 groups 15 elements / 13 groups
Filter size82 mm —
Lens mountCanon EF Canon EF, Nikon F
Released2007 2019
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Canon
  • B · Tokina
  • 111.6 × 88.5 mm
  • 136.5 × 89 mm

The Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF is 25 mm longer and 310 g heavier than the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM

Avec le temps... Avec le temps, va, tout s'en va..........
Avec le temps... Avec le temps, va, tout s'en va.......... by Un jour de France (No A.I)
DSC_0639
DSC_0639 by [email protected]
IMG_1858-11 BW
IMG_1858-11 BW by withrowd
DSC_0527
DSC_0527 by [email protected]

Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF

DSC_9918
DSC_9918 by skyline798
DSC_9916
DSC_9916 by skyline798
DSC_9914
DSC_9914 by skyline798
DSC_9911
DSC_9911 by skyline798
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM review 1
Video thumbnail for Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM review 2
Video thumbnail for Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF review 1
Video thumbnail for Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM or the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF?
The Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM weighs 640 g, 310 g less than the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF (950 g).
Do the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM and the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM or the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF better for landscape photography?
For landscape photography, the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM has the edge: it is 310 g lighter to carry.
Is the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM or the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF better for architecture?
For architecture, the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L II USM has the edge: it is 310 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons