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Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

Prime/zoom

90
/ 100
From $2,199
VS
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS wins by 3
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS — Prime/Zoom
Sony

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Prime/Zoom

93
/ 100
From $2,498
Specdex verdict

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lands at 90 and Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS at 93. That puts Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Compared on the build sub-score

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS leads on sharpness (93 vs 90).

Autofocus

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS leads on af (92 vs 86).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM 90
vs
93 Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Score breakdown

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
90
sharpness 90
af 86
build 90
value 86
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
93
sharpness 93
af 92
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM versus Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

Which is better, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS? +

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM worth the price? +

At $2,199, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS worth the price? +

At $2,498, Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in build.

Does Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS? +

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS? +

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS — leads on sharpness (93 vs 90). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.