Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III 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 newer design.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III 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 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM 
Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM better than the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF?
- Longer reach (35mm vs 28mm)
- 160 g lighter (790 g vs 950 g)
- 9 mm shorter (127.5 mm vs 136.5 mm long)
Why is the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF better than the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM?
- Newer design (2019 vs 2016)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM has the edge: it is 160 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM has the edge: it is 160 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM | Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16–35mm | 16–28mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Ultra-wide-angle zoom lens | Zoom lens |
| Format | Full Frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 790 g (1.74 lbs) ◆ | 950 g (33.51 oz) |
| Dimensions | 88.5 mm (diameter) x 127.5 mm (length) | 136.5 x 89 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.28 m (0.92 ft) | 0.28 m (11.02 inches) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.22x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 9 (circular) | 9 |
| Optical construction | 16 elements in 11 groups | 15 elements / 13 groups |
| Filter size | 82 mm | — |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 2016 | 2019 |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Tokina
- 127.5 × 88.5 mm
- 136.5 × 89 mm
The Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF is 9 mm longer and 160 g heavier than the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF?
- The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM weighs 790 g, 160 g less than the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF (950 g).
- Do the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III 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 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM has the edge: it is 160 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM has the edge: it is 160 g lighter to carry.
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