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Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM
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Canon · f/2.8 · Canon RF mount

Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM

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Mount
KEY FACTS
BrandCanon
Release Year2025
Production StatusIn Production
Lens MountCanon RF
SystemCanon EOS R
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

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
Read our notes on general
Canon'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.

Physical

Lens Weight
445 g
Front Filter Size
ⓘ
Diameter of attachable filters.
67 mm

Optics

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
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
Closest Focusing Distance
ⓘ
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
25 cm01500
Autofocus Mode
Yes

Features

Weather Sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Image Stabilization
Yes