Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L 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 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 USM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM 
Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM better than the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF?
- Longer reach (35mm vs 28mm)
- 350 g lighter (600 g vs 950 g)
- 34 mm shorter (103 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 USM?
- More aperture blades (9 vs 7)
- Newer design (2019 vs 2001)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM has the edge: it is 350 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM has the edge: it is 350 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L 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 | Zoom lens | Zoom lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 600 g (21.16 oz) ◆ | 950 g (33.51 oz) |
| Dimensions | 83.5 x 103 mm | 136.5 x 89 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.28 m (11.02 inches) | 0.28 m (11.02 inches) |
| Image stabilization | — | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 9 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 14 elements in 10 groups | 15 elements / 13 groups |
| Filter size | 77 mm | — |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 2001 | 2019 |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Tokina
- 103 × 83.5 mm
- 136.5 × 89 mm
The Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF is 33 mm longer and 350 g heavier than the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM.
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Sample frames
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 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM or the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF?
- The Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L USM weighs 600 g, 350 g less than the Tokina Opera 16-28 mm f/2.8 FF (950 g).
- Is the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L 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 USM has the edge: it is 350 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Canon EF 16-35 mm f/2.8L 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 USM has the edge: it is 350 g lighter to carry.
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