Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens Review
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens has been announced, with a Feb 11, 2025 expected arrival. Here is information about and expectations for this lens:
Not everyone can afford Canon's flagship L-series lenses, but all want the performance and features, especially the wide aperture over the entire focal length range, they usually offer. The recently-prior-released RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens filled that position for the general-purpose lens class, and now the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens takes on that role for the wide-angle zoom lens class.
Why pay for or carry redundant focal lengths?
Most of us have a standard zoom lens in our kit, and that lens usually features a 24- or 28-something mm focal length range. Traditionally, Canon-based kits paired the general-purpose lens with a something-35mm option on the wider side. While having a longer focal length range mounted and ready for immediate use is optimal, redundancy is often unnecessary, and it comes with additional size, weight, and cost.
The RF 16-28 drops the focal length overlap to gain those other advantages. For example, this lens is dramatically smaller and 14 oz (395g) lighter than the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, and the $1,050 price difference will catch your attention. That amount is nearly sufficient to buy the physically similar and perfectly complementary RF 28-70.
The RF 16-28mm F2.8 STM is a compact, lightweight lens that is easy to carry, including in a pack, and comfortable to use, including on a gimbal. This lens provides a wide f/2.8 aperture, with expected excellent AF performance and step-above image quality throughout a still-solid general purpose focal length range. These features in a lightweight, compact, and affordable package should capture your attention. This lens will join many kits.
Focal Length Range
Back to TopThe focal length range (or individual focal length for a prime lens) is a primary consideration for lens selection. A specific angle of view is required to get a desired subject framing with the optimal perspective (or from within a working distance limitation).
When starting a kit, most will first select a general-purpose lens (consider the mentioned Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens). One of the next most-needed lenses is typically a wide-angle zoom lens. This lens's 16-28mm focal length range ideally covers that need.
While the 16-28mm focal length range is relatively short, well under 2x, the angles of view it contains are among the most useful. In addition, as mentioned, this range efficiently aligns with or overlaps with the widest angle provided by standard zoom lenses.
Ultra-wide images usually feature a significant amount of background in the frame. Thus, the challenge of aligning an optimal background increases when using ultra-wide angles of view. I generally find outstanding ultra-wide compositions more challenging to create than normal or telephoto compositions, but when the right scene is found, successful ultra-wide results are especially rewarding.
Placing an attractive or otherwise interesting foreground subject close to the camera, making it appear large in relation to a distant, still in-focus attractive background is a great ultra-wide-angle focal length composition strategy. For example, move in close to flowers in front of a large mountain range (perhaps with a lake between them) to utilize this concept.
Other ultra-wide strategies work, and sometimes, you need an ultra-wide angle because you can't back up any farther.
This focal length range is an outstanding choice for landscape photography, a perfect choice for gardens, parks, and most other beautiful places.
The 16-28mm angle-of-view range is an excellent choice for astrophotography.
While a close-up wide-angle perspective can look great in a landscape scene, it is generally to be avoided when a person is the primary subject. What you do not (usually) want appearing large in the foreground of your ultra-wide composition is a person's nose. We don't typically look at people from really close distances (that other person will become uncomfortable with us being in their personal space), and when we look at photos of people captured from these distances, certain body parts (usually the nose) start to look humorously large. Unique portrait perspectives can be fun, but this technique should not be overused – and your subjects may not appreciate it. Get the telephoto lens out for your tightly framed portraits.
Still, this lens is a great choice for photographing people. Simply move back and include your human subject in a larger scene, environmental portraiture. The only moderately wide 28mm focal length is a great choice for full-body portraits, and this focal length range also nicely handles small up to large groups.
The 16-28mm focal length range is a great option for wide work at weddings, at family and other events, as well as for photojournalism and sports photography (especially with the f/2.8 aperture available to stop subject motion in low light and to aid in blurring the background).
Many of those uses happen in a location/venue that also needs to be photographed, and this focal length range works well for architecture, interior, and real estate photography.
The 16-25 range is great for tight spaces, including building and vehicle interiors.
Going underwater? The 16-28mm range is a great choice for aquatic adventures utilizing an underwater housing. These angles of view permit close-distance framing of a subject, which minimizes the image degradation caused by water clarity issues.
Ultra-wide angles work great with leading lines, as seen here in this focal length range illustration.
The following images illustrate the 14-35mm focal length range:
The 15, 16, 17, and 18mm focal lengths are not marked on the tested lens, but the EXIF reported the focal lengths matching the labels. At ultra-wide angles, a small change in the focal length imparts a big angle of view change.
Here is another comparison showing the 16-35mm range.
This lens is optimized for video recording, with a range of uses that include self-recording.
Does it matter that this lens lacks the 29-35mm focal lengths? Maybe. Maybe not.
Not all needs include that range, and in that case (or if you can satisfy infrequent needs via cropping), there is no concern.
Still, the 29-35mm range is especially useful for portraits and products, and I seldom go out without this range covered. However, a second camera with a standard zoom lens, such as the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM, covers more far more than this difference. If a lens change and the short downtime it entails is acceptable, the second lens unmounted in the case may also cover this need.
APS-C imaging sensor format cameras utilize a smaller portion of the image circle, framing a scene more tightly. The Canon field of view crop factor is 1.6x, with the 16-28mm range providing a 25.6-44.8mm full-frame angle of view equivalent. This angle of view has increased value for portraiture while foregoing some landscape and architecture angles.
Max Aperture
Back to TopFew zoom lenses feature a wider aperture opening than this one, and a wide aperture is a big advantage.
Wide apertures are useful for stopping action, both that of the subject and that of the camera, in low light levels while keeping ISO settings low. They also benefit AF systems, enabling them to function better in low-light environments.
Even when photographing under bright light conditions, wide apertures are useful for creating a strong background blur that clearly isolates a subject from distracting backgrounds.
A disadvantage of a wide aperture is the required increased physical size of the lens elements, which come with heavier weight and higher cost penalties. In this case, those penalties are minor, and this lens is compact, lightweight, and affordable.
Image Stabilization
Back to TopWith increasing ISO being the alternative, the noise difference IS enables for still subjects is huge, and stabilization dramatically improves video quality. The shorter the focal length, the smaller subject details (captured at the same distance) are rendered, and the less still the camera must be held to avoid subject details crossing imaging sensor pixels during an exposure, the source of motion blur. Still, image stabilization remains a valuable feature in this and most lenses.
The RF 16-28 F2.8 STM's IS system is rated for 5.5 stops of assistance, and excellent rating, and with IBIS Coordinated IS, the rating jumps to 8 stops (7.5 stops in the corners).
Expect this lens's IS system to be quiet, likely quieter than the R5 II's IBIS, and well-behaved, referring to the viewfinder image not jumping or fighting strongly against re-Canon is promised superior Canon is promised superior composition, providing a smooth view, including when moving the camera, including when recording video.
Another image stabilization benefit is its aid to AF precision. The camera's AF system can produce improved focus precision if the image it sees is stabilized.
Image Quality
Back to TopCanon which significantly increases promised superior image quality from this lens, and the theoretical MTF charts support that expectation.
The black lines indicate contrast (10 lines/mm), and the blue lines show resolution (30 lines/mm). The solid lines are sagittal, and the dashed lines are meridional. The higher, the better, and that comparison tells a story. The 16-28's lines are considerably higher than those of the 15-30 and in the game with the two L lenses.
This lens's images will require geometric distortion correction. Canon provides correction in the camera (EVF, LCD, JPEG & HEIF images, movies) and in DPP, regardless of the lens correction settings.
The optical design incorporates four UD lenses, and two Aspherical lenses, along with SSC (Super Spectra Coating).
Focusing
Back to TopThe Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens features a leadscrew-type STM that delivers fast, quiet, and smooth internal autofocus that is advantageous for both stills and video.
This lens has a minimum focus distance of 7.9" (200mm), and at 28mm, it generates a high 0.26x maximum magnification spec.
| Model | Min Focus Distance | Max Magnification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens | 5.5" | (140mm) | 0.23x |
| Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens | 9.8" | (250mm) | 0.12x |
| Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens | 7.9" | (200mm) | 0.38x |
| Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens | 5.1" | (130mm) | 0.52x |
| Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens | 11.0" | (280mm) | 0.21x |
| Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens | 7.9" | (200mm) | 0.26x |
| Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens | 7.9" | (200mm) | 0.26x |
| Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens | 10.6" | (270mm) | 0.24x |
| Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens | 9.8" | (250mm) | 0.18x |
| Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Lens | 7.1" | (180mm) | 0.20x |
| Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens | 7.5" | (190mm) | 0.19x |
At 16mm, a subject measuring approximately 12.5 x 8.4" (318.2mm x 212.1mm) fills a full-frame imaging sensor at this lens's minimum MF distance. At 28mm, a 5.4 x 3.6" (138.3 mm x 92.2mm) subject does the same.
An extension tube enables a decreased minimum focus distance, significantly increasing the maximum magnification of wide-angle focal lengths (though it is likely that only a short tube will work). As of review time, Canon does not offer RF mount-compatible extension tubes, but third-party options are available.
This lens is not compatible with Canon extenders.
Design & Features
Back to TopExpect this lens's design and build quality to be like the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM, which is especially for a consumer-grade lens. Discerning between those two lenses in a bag requires reading the numbers.
The external construction is engineering plastic. With smooth external dimensions and tight tolerance between parts, this lens will be comfortable to hold and a pleasure to use.
The ribbed, rubberized zoom ring is large, easy to find, and smooth in function. I especially like the zoom ring being positioned behind the focus ring, and the slight diameter increase mid zoom ring makes it easier to locate tactilely.
This lens is non-functional in its fully retracted state, and the camera displays a "Set the lens to the shooting position" message to ensure you know this.
A firm twist of the zoom ring extends the lens from the firmly clicked closed length to its widest usable length at 12mm. The lens extends by 0.80" (21.8mm) when zoomed to 16mm and by slightly less, 0.4" (11.1mm), at 70mm. A click stop at 16mm aids against inadvertent retraction beyond the usable range
The knurled Control Ring can be configured for fast access to settings that include aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation. As mentioned, the control ring is also the focus ring when that switch setting is selected. Both cannot be used simultaneously, but there is one less ring to confuse. Note that this control ring is smooth, not clicked, as is the current default for the L variants.
The AF/CONTROL/MF and IS switches are flush-mounted and low-profile, raised just enough for easy use, even with gloves. Canon's switches snap crisply into place. Slightly extra attention is necessary to get the 3-position AF/CONTROL/MF switch into its middle setting.
Though not an L lens, this lens features significant dust- and moisture-resistance. Notice that some of the switches are not fully sealed.
Unlike the RF L counterparts, the RF 16-28mm STM lens lacks dust and liquid adhesion-resistant fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens elements, and fluorine-coated lens elements are noticeably easier to clean.
The RF 16-28 F2.8 STM's compact size and light weight are welcome advantages.
| Model | Weight oz(g) | Dimensions w/o Hood "(mm) | Filter | Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens | 5.3 | (150) | 2.7 x 1.8 | (69.0 x 44.9) | 49 | 2023 |
| Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens | 20.1 | (570) | 3.3 x 4.4 | (83.7 x 112.0) | n/a | 2023 |
| Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens | 19.1 | (540) | 3.3 x 3.9 | (84.1 x 99.8) | 77 | 2021 |
| Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens | 13.8 | (390) | 3.0 x 3.5 | (76.6 x 88.4) | 67 | 2022 |
| Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens | 29.7 | (840) | 3.5 x 5.0 | (88.5 x 126.8) | 82 | 2019 |
| Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens | 15.7 | (445) | 3.0 x 3.6 | (76.5 x 91.0) | 67 | 2025 |
| Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens | 4.6 | (130) | 2.7 x 1.7 | (68.9 x 44.3) | 49 | 2022 |
| Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens | 17.5 | (495) | 3.0 x 3.6 | (76.5 x 92.2) | 67 | 2024 |
| Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens | 15.9 | (450) | 3.0 x 4.0 | (77.2 x 100.6) | 72 | 2022 |
| Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Lens | 14.4 | (409) | 2.9 x 3.6 | (74.8 x 91.4) | 67 | 2024 |
| Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens | 14.8 | (420) | 2.9 x 3.9 | (73.0 x 99.0) | 67 | 2019 |
View and compare the complete Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens Specifications in the site's lens specifications tool.
Here is a visual comparison:
Positioned above from left to right are the following lenses:
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
This lens uses modestly sized 67mm filters, which are common and affordable.
Expect a standard-thickness circular polarizer filter to increase wide-aperture peripheral shading slightly. A slim model such as the Breakthrough Photography X4 is recommended.
The compatible lens hood is the Canon EW-73E, a model first seen on the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM. Unfortunately, it is not included in the box. While expensive, I recommend getting and using (reversed does not count) the hood for front element protection from impact and flare-inducing bright light.
The plastic EW-73E's petal shape is optimized to block as much light outside the utilized image circle as possible, and this hood offers reasonable front element protection. The petal shape looks great, and this shape makes installation alignment easier (simply align the small petal to the top), though a round-shaped hood enables the lens to better stand on its hood. The matte interior avoids reflections.
The Canon LP1116 Lens Case is optional.
Price, Value, Compatibility
Back to TopWhile it costs less than half as much as the RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS lens, I expect the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens to perform at a level far above that price difference. It's certain to be a great value.
As an "RF" lens, the Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens is compatible with all Canon EOS R-series cameras, including full-frame and APS-C models. Canon USA provides a 1-year limited warranty.
Alternatives
Back to TopThe perfect lens does not exist. However, the best lens for your needs does. Determining that answer requires a look at the alternatives.
Let's start with the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens. This lens has a longer focal length range but a significantly narrower aperture. The MTF charts indicate that the 16-28mm lens will provide noticeably better image quality.
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens vs. Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens comparison shows the 15-30 slightly lighter and shorter. The 16-28 has 9 aperture blades vs. 7 and a 1-stop higher IBIS coordinated rating, 8 vs. 7. The 15-30 has a much higher 0.52x maximum magnification spec vs. 0.26x and a much lower price.
Next up for comparison is the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens, which has a 1-stop narrower max aperture but an extended focal length range. The 16-28 promises to rival the 14-35's image quality.
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens vs. Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens comparison shows the 16-28 weighing and measuring modestly less. The 16-28 has smaller filter threads, 67mm vs. 77mm. The 14-35 has a higher maximum magnification (0.38x vs 0.26x), Nano USM AF vs. STM, and L-series designation, with superior build quality, including better weather sealing. The 16-28 is modestly less expensive.
The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens shares the f/2.8 max aperture with an extended focal length range. The 16-28 promises to rival the 15-35's image quality, but it will have considerably stronger geometric distortion.
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens vs. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens comparison shows the 16-28 weighing just nover half as much and measuring considerably less. The 16-28 has smaller filter threads, 67mm vs. 82mm, and a higher maximum magnification, 0.26x vs. 0.21x. The 15-35 has Nano USM AF vs. STM and L-series designation, with superior build quality, including better weather sealing. The 16-28 costs less than half as much.
Use the site's tools to create additional comparisons.
Summary
Back to TopThe Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens provides a wide f/2.8 aperture, expected excellent AF and IS performance, and promised step-above image quality throughout a solid general-purpose focal length range. These features in a lightweight, compact, and affordable package make this lens a great alternative to both entry-level models and high-end L-series lenses.
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM will be another super popular lens.
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