Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
Announced May 13, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is a high-performing wide-angle zoom that delivers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and effective image stabilization. Although limited by a maximum aperture of f/4, it remains a top choice for landscape and architectural photographers seeking a reliable, high-quality lens.
Weighted from 21 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus performance
- Effective and useful image stabilization system
- Exceptional sharpness across the entire frame and zoom range
- Durable L-series build quality with weather sealing
- Smooth and well-damped zoom and focus rings
Cons
- Noticeable vignetting and distortion at the widest focal lengths
- Limited f/4 maximum aperture restricts low-light performance
- Audible noise from stabilization and focus mechanisms during video recording
- High price point for an f/4 lens
- Substantial physical size and weight despite the moderate aperture
- Launch price $1,199 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 16-35mm f/4
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 28 cm (0.23x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 615g (1 lb 5.7 oz) · 82.6 x 112.8 mm (3.25 x 4.44 in)
Expert Reviews
Share a link to a review we should add, or tell us what to correct on this page.
-
Image quality-wise, compared to the one that's on the camera now, I would say the one on the camera is, maybe, a hair better, like 5% better, but the image quality's great in this, and it's pretty much the same in that one.
-
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 USM L IS is definitely a step forward for Canon. The lens is capable of delivering an impressive performance throughout most of the range but especially between 16-24mm.
-
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is a very good lens. It has a useful IS system that allows handholding for long exposures, and less vignetting and quality fall-off at the edges than expected.
-
This lens delivers prime-grade image sharpness right into full frame corners and it has the overall performance to match, including AF speed and accuracy.
-
I added a number of fantastic images to my portfolio during the review period, and I would have no hesitation to add this lens to my own kit as the primary wide angle option. If you are in the market for a new landscape lens, look no further.
-
$1,000 is a lot to ask, but considering this Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens's sharpness and Nice image stabilization, I think a lot of people will accept the high price Canon are asking for, but in some areas the lens's optics are a little haphazard.
-
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM is one of the finest wide-angle lenses Canon has produced.
-
If you can afford the hefty price-tag then we can highly recommend the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM as an excellent wide-angle zoom lens for Canon full-frame DSLR owners.
-
Provided you don’t specialise in low-light shooting and therefore require a wider maximum aperture, this is a superb buy for any landscape or cityscape photographer who will make the most of its wide zoom range.
-
This is one of those lenses that if you're looking for this kind of focal length range, this should be your first to consider.
-
For nature, landscapes, fine art and architecture, this is Canon's best ultrawide lens ever.
-
From a landscape photographers point of view the results from this lens are excellent.
-
The big question is, “Has Canon managed to make a wide angle lens that doesn’t make discerning users cringe?” Fortunately the answer appears to be a resounding yes.
-
So far, I am really, really liking this lens. [...] It's just awesome, so so far, this lens gets two big thumbs up for me.
-
[H]ere is a Canon wide-angle zoom that is an excellent performer.
-
The final word: the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is just the latest in a string of really excellent, high-quality professional lenses put out by Canon.
-
This is Canon’s best wide-angle zoom when it comes to sharpness.
- Photo Feaver 42/50
I would highly recommend this Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM as it's the only one that offers image stabilization and it's roughly bang smack in the middle of both the cheapest 17-40mm and the ludicrously expensive 16-35mm f/2.8.
-
It's a vital piece of my photographic equipment and I kind of wanted to make this video just to throw some respect at this Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM because [...] this thing has been nailing it down for me and kind of deserves the respect that it's due.
-
Honestly, if you're jumping into the full frame market, this is a great wide angle lens to start with. I still love mine, but if you're looking for a little bit more, I get it, there's some better options out there.
-
In fact, in the 16-35mm f/4 IS, it was basically non-existent even in shooting scenarios where CA is almost always visible. I was so impressed, that I didn’t have a second thought about paying the extra cash for it.
User Reviews
No member reviews yet. Kept separate from the expert score.
Be the first to review
Have real-world experience with the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM? Share your feedback to help others.
Write a Review
Already a member? Sign in to review
At least 20 words. No links or promotion — some reviews are held for an editor.
0 / 3,000