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

Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM

KEY FACTS
BrandCanon
Announcement dateJan 2025
Released2025
Production started2025
Production statusIn Production
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
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Jan 2025
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2025
Production started
2025
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
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.

Optical

Minimum Aperture
f/16
Lens Construction
16 elements in 13 groups
Special Optics
4x UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements, 2x Aspherical elements (1 GMo)
Angle of View
98°-65° (horizontal); 74°10'-46° (vertical); 108°10'-75° (diagonal)

Autofocus

AF Motor Type
STM (Stepping Motor/Leadscrew)
Maximum Magnification
0.11x (at 16mm), 0.26x (at 28mm)
Focus Type
Internal rear focus with manual focus by wire

Image stabilization

Optical IS
5.5 stops (OIS only)
Coordinated IS with IBIS
8.0 stops (center); 7.5 stops (corners)
Focus Breathing Correction
Compatible

Aperture

Aperture Design
Rounded for bokeh control

Build

Exterior Coating
Super Spectra Coating (SSC); Fluorine coating: No
Lens Retraction
Retracting barrel design

Physical

Diameter x Length (Retracted)
76.5 x 91mm
Diameter x Length (at 16mm Extended)
318.2 x 212.1mm (12.5" x 8.4")
Diameter x Length (at 28mm Extended)
138.3 x 92.2mm (5.4" x 3.6")
Included Hood
EW-73E (sold separately)
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
67 mm
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
Lens weight
445 g

Compatibility

Camera Type
Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless (RF mount)
Compatible Bodies
EOS R, Ra, RP, R5, R6, R5 Mark II, R6 Mark II, R1, R3, R7, R8, R10, R50

Additional

Coatings
Super Spectra, Fluorine
Extender Compatibility
Not compatible
Lens Cap
E-67 II
Lens Case
LP1116
Rear Cap
Lens Dust Cap RF

Optics

Min focal length
16 mm
Max focal length
28 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
16-28 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
Yes
Max aperture wide
2.8
Max aperture zoom
2.8
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
25 cm01500
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
9020

Features

Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes