Is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS sharper than the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II when both are used at f/4?
Asked 6/23/2014
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I’m considering replacing a broken Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II and noticed the newer EF 16-35mm f/4L IS. When both lenses are shot at f/4, is the f/4L IS generally better in image quality, especially sharpness and corner performance? I’m mainly trying to understand the tradeoff between improved optics and losing the extra stop of aperture.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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I have owned the first 16-35 f2,8, the successor 16-35 f2.8 II and the 17-40 f4, and now the 16-35 f4. The new lens is much better in the corners and is really sharp overall. I sold the earlier wide angle zooms and even a 14mm f2.8 prime because the edges were unusable even stopped down. I had to crop frequently to eliminate the smeared parts. I finally got a 17mm TS/E and it did the job but is huge and does not autofocus. The new lens does not have these problems. In my opinion, the new lens is the first Canon wide angle zoom worthy of the great Canon bodies.
Originally by user30009. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user30009
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the community feedback, yes: the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS is generally regarded as sharper than the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II at f/4, especially in the corners. The biggest improvement mentioned is edge and corner quality, where the older 16-35mm designs were often criticized for softness or smearing even when stopped down. The f/4L IS is described as sharp overall and a noticeably stronger performer across the frame.
The main tradeoff is aperture. If you need f/2.8 for lower light, faster shutter speeds, or shallower depth of field, the older lens still has that advantage. But if you usually shoot this type of lens at f/4 or smaller, the f/4L IS appears to offer better optical performance, plus image stabilization as an added benefit for static subjects.
So if your priority is sharpness and better corners at f/4, the 16-35mm f/4L IS is the better choice. If you specifically need the extra stop, the f/2.8 version may still make more sense.
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