Canon EF 16-35mm F/4L IS USM

This Canon EF zoom covers 16–35mm on full-frame cameras. The wide range suits landscapes, architecture, interiors and travel. You can include more of a room or building from one position, then narrow the view when the widest setting includes too much.

Canon introduced it in 2014. The main trade-off is the f/4 maximum aperture. In dim conditions, a wider opening gives more room for a faster shutter speed or lower ISO. Built-in stabilization helps with camera shake when you photograph still scenes.

The lens weighs 1 lb 5.7 oz (615 g) and measures 4.44 in (112.8 mm) long and 3.25 in (82.6 mm) across. Consider the camera and lens together when choosing a bag or support. Screw-in filters must match the 77mm front thread to attach directly.

At 16mm, you can include more of a room or landscape from one position. At 35mm, the view is narrower. How much fits still depends on where you stand. Check the frame edges for distracting objects before taking the photograph. Tilt the camera upward and vertical lines converge. Keep it level when parallel verticals matter.

The maximum aperture remains f/4 as you zoom. You can retain that opening when framing changes, though a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. Sunlight and shade can require different settings even when the aperture stays unchanged.

Moving close makes a foreground object look prominent against distant scenery. That change of viewpoint creates the perspective. Nearby subjects can still have a soft background at f/4. Stop down and choose focus carefully when details at several distances must stay sharp.

Closest focus is 0.9 ft (28 cm) throughout the zoom, measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification reaches 0.23x, useful for larger details. Leave room ahead of the glass and avoid shading a nearby object. The front of the lens sits closer than the sensor.

Image stabilization reduces camera shake when you work handheld. A still room can allow a slower shutter speed than a moving person. People walking through the scene still need enough shutter speed for their movement. A tripod gives a firm base for long exposures.

Canon specifies an optional PROTECT filter to complete the dust and water resistant design. Fit it when you need that protection, and use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before cleaning.

The rotary zoom ring changes framing manually. There is no zoom lock switch. Keep the lens supported when carrying the camera between locations.

Three aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend lines or soften detail. Two UD elements help reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges, such as a bright window against a dark interior.

Internal focusing keeps barrel length unchanged while focus moves.