Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II vs Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Wide-angle zoom lenses comprise one-third of the ‘Holy Trinity’ lens lineup and show constantly beneficial for a number of functions, consisting of landscapes, architecture and astrophotography. Frequently, a basic 24-70mm zoom lens isn’t rather broad adequate to shoot a specific scene, so having a wide-angle lens in your kitbag lets you fill the space listed below 24mm.

Wide-angle lenses are preferred in astrophotography due to the fact that they record a broader part of the sky and let more light in than basic and telephoto lenses normally do (which, when you’re shooting in the dark, is really essential). On the whole, prime lenses are thought about the best lenses for astrophotography due to their broader apertures, however you can rather quickly utilize among the best zoom lenses at f/2.8 to get some great astro shots. The benefit of utilizing a zoom lens over a prime lens is the adaptability of altering the focal length to shoot various designs.

The Sony vs Canon argument is continuous, and in the end, it typically boils down to individual choice. Still, we will be taking a look at the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USMcomparing their specifications and how we discovered their efficiency when we checked them both. If you’ve currently purchased into either system, then the option will be a simple one, however for any users aiming to buy their very first full-frame electronic camera and lens system or thinking of changing from another brand name, keep checking out to see how these 2 lenses compare versus one another.

Specs

Resemblances

• They were the exact same cost on release, however the Canon is somewhat less expensive due to its age.
• Both lenses have a continuous f/2.8 aperture.
• Both lenses have an 82mm filter thread.
• Both lenses are weather-sealed.

Distinctions

• The Canon is an enormous 4 years older than the Sony.
• The Sony is 21.9 mm much shorter and 293g lighter than the Canon.
• The Canon has an additional millimeter of focal length on the broader end.
• The Canon has up to 8 stops of image stabilization– the Sony does not have any at all.
• The Sony has a somewhat much shorter minimum focusing range and greater zoom.
• The Sony has 11 aperture blades, the Canon just has 9.

Factors to purchase Sony

Back in September 2023, Sony launched this upgraded variation of their 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens with an entire host of upgrades and brand-new functions. The initial variation came out method back in 2017, so it was long due to the Mark II treatment. When coupled with among the best mirrorless electronic camerasthis lens is a force to be considered.

Among the more appealing characteristics the Sony lens has more than the Canon is the size and weight distinction. The Sony is 35% lighter than the Canon with a weight distinction of 293g, and it’s 21.9 mm much shorter, making it a lot more pleasing to utilize for longer durations without getting arm or neckache. And if you’re taking a trip or taking it with you as part of a big lens lineup, the overall weight of all your equipment accumulates, so having lighter lenses is a huge plus. In our complete Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II evaluationwe pointed out that we were amazed by how light-weight it was for such a good-quality lens.

We likewise actually liked the addition of the clickable aperture ring on the lens. This is a convenient function if you’re utilizing an electronic camera body that just has 2 control dials. You can set those to ISO and shutter speed and after that alter the aperture on the lens itself. This avoids you from losing time learning the menus when you wish to alter settings rapidly.

The Sony likewise has more aperture blades than the Canon, suggesting possibly rounder and smoother bokeh. It likewise has a lower minimum focusing range and greater zoom, which permits much better close-up shots. We were really amazed with the image quality– all our images were pin-sharp and in focus after evaluating various apertures at a series of focal lengths. We just observed a minor drop-off in sharpness at the corners when utilizing the lower apertures (which is to be anticipated).

We believed it managed astrophotography effectively and we hardly saw any coma or barrelling in the images. Devoted astro shooters would likely opt for a prime lens, however for more basic professional photographers who just do the periodic little astro, we believe the Sony FE 16.35 mm f/2.8 GM II will serve you well. We didn’t include it in our best lenses for astrophotography guide due to the fact that when it pertains to wide-angle zoom lenses, we believe the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is most likely somewhat much better matched to astro shooting– although it is likewise more pricey.

• Read our complete Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II evaluation

Factors to purchase Canon

When comparing the 2 lenses, the Canon lens has 3 substantial benefits over the Sony, however how pertinent these distinctions are depends upon your shooting setup and design.

The very first is that the Canon has a basic 5 stops of image stabilization and as much as 8 when coupled with a suitable Canon cam body. On the other hand, the Sony lens does not have any image stabilization at all. We can comprehend why, as it’s a currently pricey lens and most Sony cams have in-body image stabilization, however 9 times out of 10, it’s constantly excellent to have image stabilization in the lens also, specifically if you wind up utilizing an electronic camera body that does not have any image stabilization. If you do a great deal of video or portable shooting and image stabilization is very important to you, the Canon lens will be the more appealing choice here.

Throughout our Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM evaluationwe enjoyed its smooth and easy style, which assists in its mobility, although it’s bigger and much heavier than the Sony. We believe the Canon is definitely ‘prettier’ than the Sony, however that’s simply an individual viewpoint.

Another benefit of the Canon is an additional 1mm focal length at the broader end. This maybe will not be hugely visible most of the times, however it might show handy in astrophotography shots where you require to let as much light through as possible. Utilizing the 500 guideline, this additional 1mm ways you can set your shutter speed for a couple of seconds longer than with the Sony.

The Canon is likewise a little less expensive. It’s not the most substantial rate distinction, however we do not understand anybody who would reject the opportunity to conserve $200. It appears to have stood the test of time and held its rate extremely well, a testimony to its general quality and efficiency even at over 4 years of ages. We called it the very best Canon RF lens in our best lenses for astrophotography guide, so it’s definitely a financial investment, however we believe it’s worth the cash.

• Read our complete Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM evaluation

Decision

It was a really close call in between 2 extraordinary lenses and not the fairest battle due to the age distinction. We believe if Canon had actually launched their 15-35mm f/2.8 lens at the exact same time as the Sony 16.35 mm f/2.8 and handled to slash off a few of the weight and enhance its specifications ever so a little in line with the Sony, the result might’ve gone the other method. Who understands– perhaps Canon will bring out a Mark II sooner or later.

While the Canon has some significant benefits over the Sony, the Sony lens has more benefits than the Canon does relating to total functionality and daily usage.

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Kimberley Lane is a landscape & & seascape professional photographer residing in South Wales. Initially utilizing photography as a method to manage health concerns, she intends to represent a sensation of calm and peace through her images. Her work has actually been included in a variety of nationwide photography publications.