Developed to succeed the high-performance EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM, the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM has the leading wide-angle zoom range in its class. In response to increased demand for ultra-wide zoom lenses for 35mm SLR cameras, and digital SLR Camera's that tend to have a smaller frame size when compared to the 35mm, Canon has developed the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. This is the first Canon EF lens to incorporate three types of aspherical elements (ground, replicated and Gmo [glass molded]) to effectively correct the aberrations that occur during zooming. And despite its longer zoom range the EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM delivers the highest image quality in its class.

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM has two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements, which effectively correct the chromatic aberrations prone to occur in wide-angle lenses. As a result, colour fringing along the edges of the subject is virtually eliminated and both image resolution and contrast are exceptionally high. The inner focusing and ring type USM (Ultrasonic motor) ensures both silent and high-speed AF operation.