Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM
Canon · 16–28 mm · f/2.8 · Image Stabilization
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
67
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range with excellent low-light and depth-of-field control
+Compact and lightweight design—smallest and lightest RF zoom lens at 445g, ideal for travel and gimbal work
+Exceptional sharpness comparable to or exceeding L-series lenses despite non-L designation
+Impressive optical IS with 5.5 stops correction solo or up to 8 stops coordinated with IBIS
+Fast, silent STM autofocus with smooth video performance and focus breathing correction
+Weather-sealed construction matching L-series durability standards at a lower price point
Worth Knowing
−Limited focal length range (16-28mm) lacks the extra reach of competing 16-35mm or 15-35mm zooms
−Requires in-camera digital distortion correction—native barrel distortion of ~8.2% at 16mm relies on software correction
−Retractable barrel design adds minor inconvenience and durability concerns for frequent extension/retraction
−Lens hood not included in box; must be purchased separately as optional accessory
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensCanon's RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM is a fascinating entry in the RF lineup—bright, sharp, and surprisingly compact. With its constant f/2.8 aperture, 5.5-stops of image stabilisation and weather-resistance in a lightweight and compact body, it delivers incredible stills and videos. This lens provides a wide f/2.8 aperture combined with excellent AF and IS performance and step-above image quality throughout a still-solid range of ultra-wide-angle focal lengths. The RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM balances a compact design with an attractive feature set, making it an appealing choice for enthusiast photographers wishing to avoid the cost of an L-series lens. Its constant f/2.8 aperture, stabilisation and solid build quality should ensure it performs well in a variety of shooting scenarios, while its lightweight, manageable size makes it easy to take anywhere. The 28mm maximum focal length rather than 35mm and lack of an included lens hood might give some photographers pause. | |
| Brand | Canon |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon RF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS R |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 445 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 76.5 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 91 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 67 mm |
Optics74/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 16–28 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 108.167°–75° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |  Yes |
Zoom Mechanism ⓘSystem enabling zoom function |  Manual |
Zoom Ring ⓘIf zooming is adjusted using a zoom ring |  Yes |
Zoom Type ⓘThe design or approach to zooming |  Rotary |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 25 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.26x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring | No |
Features60/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
Zoom Lock ⓘZoom lock allows the zoom ring to be locked at the desired focal length | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
IS Efficiency ⓘIS efficiency refers to the effectiveness of the image stabilization system in compensating for the blurring effects of camera shake, quantified by the number of stops of stabilization it provides. | 5.5 stops |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 16 |
| Groups | 13 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 2 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 4 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |