Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM

The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is a compact ultra-wide zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture for full-frame RF cameras. Canon announced it on 22 January 2025 as a lens for photo and video creators who want a fast wide-angle zoom in a light, everyday-carry body. It is a sibling of the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM in Canon's creator-oriented zoom range.

Optical design

The lens has 16 elements in 13 groups, including four UD elements and two aspherical elements. The aperture is f/2.8 throughout, with a minimum aperture of f/22 and 9 aperture blades. Canon names Super Spectra Coating. Maximum magnification is 0.11x at 16 mm and 0.26x at 28 mm. Canon states very little focus breathing for video.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses a leadscrew-type STM. The lens has an optical stabilizer, which Canon says is enabled automatically on cameras without in-body stabilization for about 5.5 stops. With coordinated control of the lens stabilizer and IBIS, Canon quotes 8.0 stops in the center and 7.5 stops in the corner. The minimum focus distance is 0.25 m at 16 mm and 0.20 m at 28 mm. Canon lists a control ring function that the user can select.

Build and size

The lens weighs 445 g and measures 76.5 mm in diameter. It is 91 mm long when retracted and extends when zooming (112.8 mm at 16 mm according to Canon). The filter thread is 67 mm. Canon describes a dust- and weather-resistant construction equivalent to an L-series lens.

Where it fits

The RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM in our database weighs 840 g and takes 82 mm filters, so the 16-28mm is the lighter and smaller f/2.8 option, with a shorter range at the wide end. The RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM goes wider and takes screw-in filters at 540 g. The RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is lighter at 390 g but slower. The RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM, at 495 g and 67 mm, is a natural companion.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Constant f/2.8 in a 445 g lens
• Stabilizer with about 5.5 stops, and up to 8 stops with IBIS
• Dust- and weather-resistant according to Canon
• 67 mm filter thread, same as the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM
• Close focusing to 0.20 m at 28 mm

Cons

• Wide end starts at 16 mm, not 14 or 15 mm
• Lens extends while zooming
• Not an L-series lens
• STM leadscrew drive rather than a USM

Verdict

The RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM gives photographers and videographers a small ultra-wide zoom that stays at f/2.8. It is more compact than the 15-35mm F2.8L and a sensible partner for the 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM. Those who need the widest angles or the L-series build will look at the 14-35mm or 15-35mm.