Why Is the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens So Expensive?

The Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM is one of the company's best lenses, but of course, with that quality comes a hefty price tag. This fun video takes a look at the wide angle zoom lens and answers just what makes it so expensive. 

Coming to you from ZY Productions, this great video takes a look at the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens and why it's such an expensive piece of glass. The 16-35mm is part of the "holy trinity" of f/2.8 zooms, which many photographers (such as those shooting weddings) rely on to give them the versatility of a zoom lens and the relatively good light-gathering power of an f/2.8 lens, all combined with the best levels of sharpness, focusing speed and accuarcy, and durability available in a zoom. Whereas the second version of the lens had mixed reviews when it came to its levels of sharpness, particularly in the corners, the latest iteration has received mostly glowing evaluations. As you might imagine, all of this doesn't come cheaply, but for some photographers, having such a lens in their kit is a necessity. Check out the video above for more on the lens. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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