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Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 First Look Comparison

When it comes to ultra wide angle RF zoom lenses creators now have a growing number of options in Canon’s mirrorless RF lineup, each with its own strengths. The newly released RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM lens is the latest addition, which provides a combination of portability, affordability, and great image quality.

Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens Hands-on Video Review

Gareth explores the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 lens for this hands-on video review, but how does it perform? Find out below.

But how does it compare to the existing RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3, and RF 14-35mm f/4L? Our Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 first look comparison combines a first look overview of the RF 16-28mm with a direct comparison to these existing ultra wide zooms, helping you to decide, which one best fits your needs.

So let’s dive right in and begin with its key features.

RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM key features

Despite its compact and lightweight design, the Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM boasts impressive features, delivering excellent performance for both stills and video. It is equipped with advanced lens optics, optical image stabilisation, and a fast aperture, this lens is designed to excel in various shooting scenarios, including low-light and handheld conditions

Key features include:

• Compact ultra wide angle zoom, which weighs just 445g
• Optical design with aspheric and UD lens elements for high-quality results
• Constant f/2.8 aperture across the whole zoom range
• Smooth, quiet STM autofocus when recording video and shooting stills
• Up to 8 stops of image stabilisation with compatible EOS R cameras
• Retractable design for easy storage and transport
• Weather sealed design and a customisable control ring

Sample With Canon EOS R6 II at 16mm. Camera settings: Exposure 1/125 sec. f/2.8. ISO 800

Canon RF Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens Specs Comparison Table

With four ultra wide zoom lenses in Canon’s RF lineup, understanding their differences is helpful for choosing the right one for your content. The RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3, RF 14-35mm f/4L and RF 15-35mm F/2.8L IS USM each offer unique advantages for different creators. In the table below, we break down the specifications of these four lenses to help you identify which model best suits your needs, whether you prioritise image quality, portability, or budget.

The RF 16-28mm f/2.8’s weight of 445g and retractable design make it a great choice for creators who need more portability, whether for shooting handheld or hiking to landscapes and locations. Compared to the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L (840g) and the RF 14-35mm f/4L (540g), this lens offers a much lighter alternative without sacrificing image quality or some of its useful features.

Sample With Canon EOS R6 II at 24mm. Camera settings: Exposure 0.8 sec. f/8. ISO 100

What Is an Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom Lens For?

Ultra wide angle lenses such as this RF 16-28mm f/2.8 are designed to capture expansive scenes with a field of view that is far greater than standard lenses. Their focal lengths, ranging from 16mm to 28mm in this case, make an ultra wide ideal for subjects that benefit from wider framing, which can often create dramatic perspectives.

The RF 16-28mm f/2.8 is particularly useful for a variety of genres, including:

• Landscapes
• Architecture and Cityscapes
• Astrophotography
• Interiors
• Group Shots
• Vlogging and video

Additionally, while not its primary purpose, the lens can be used to capture environmental portraits, reportage, and similar subjects where including context around the subject is beneficial.

Cameras that maximise Image stabilisation

One of the advantages of the RF mount developed by Canon is its advanced image stabilisation, which is enhanced when pairing a compatible body and lens. The RF 16-28mm f/2.8 achieves up to an impressive 8 stops of stabilisation, making it especially valuable for handheld shooting in low-light conditions or while on the move.

Cameras like the EOS R6 Mark II and EOS R5 Mark II are excellent choices for creators looking to make the most of Canon’s stabilisation feature. As with other models in the range, these both offer combined lens and in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), enhancing the performance when using lenses like this RF 16-28mm.

Sample With Canon EOS R6 II at 16mm. Camera settings: Exposure 1/50 sec. f/3.5. ISO 400

Build and Handling

The RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM weighs 445g and is significantly smaller than the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, which comes in at 840g. The RF 16-28mm also features a retractable design that adds an element of convenience for travel and storage. Despite its compact size, it maintains robust build with weather resistance, ensuring greater reliability in challenging conditions.

It also includes a compact 67mm filter thread that makes it easy to integrate into existing kits, or to find cost-effective camera lens filters, which can especially useful for landscapes and other outdoor wide angle subjects.

In terms of controls the Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM offers streamlined handling with a couple of options on the lens barrel. These include Canon’s signature customisable focus and control ring, as well as an AF/MF switch.

Sample With Canon EOS R6 II at 17mm. Camera settings: Exposure 1/1300 sec. f/3.5. ISO 200

Performance Features

This versatile lens delivers solid performance, with a constant f/2.8 9-bladed aperture that excels in low-light conditions and for creating smooth bokeh. When paired with compatible EOS R bodies, it achieves up to 8 stops of stabilisation, ensuring sharp and steady results for handheld shooting.

The STM autofocus is smooth and quiet, making it well-suited for video creators. Compared to the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3, this lens offers superior image quality, and its faster aperture provides a distinct advantage in low-light.

Price and Availability

The RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM launched at a competitive price point of £, making it more accessible than other RF ultra wide options. For creators on a budget, it provides excellent value, balancing quality and affordability. Its price also positions it as an upgrade for those moving on from the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3.

Sample With Canon EOS R6 II at 16mm. Camera settings: Exposure 1/125 sec. f/8. ISO 100

Who Is It For?

The RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM is perfect for creators of all levels who need a lightweight, affordable, and high-performing ultra wide angle zoom. It’s an excellent choice for vloggers, travel photographers, interior specialists, and anyone who shoots handheld in low light. Its compact design and strong optical performance also make it versatile enough for other types of content, such as landscapes to architectural photography.

All in all the Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM is a very well rounded ultra wide zoom, which balances image quality, portability and affordability. It delivers impressive image quality and portability at a price point that will appeal to a wide range of creators.

Compared to the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, it’s lighter and more affordable while still offering the benefits of a constant f/2.8 aperture. For those who need better image quality and performance than the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 but want to avoid the premium price of L-series glass, this lens strikes the perfect balance.

Reserve your Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens today or browse our comprehensive range of Canon RF lenses to find the ideal match for your content creation.

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By Nick Dautlich on 23/01/2025