Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM vs Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Canon RF
These two f/2.8 primes for Canon RF full frame hardly compete, because the focal length decides. The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (September 2021) is an ultra-wide with a 108 degree angle of view, 165 g and a 13 cm minimum focus distance. The Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM (May 2023) is Canon's first RF pancake: only about 2.5 cm long when retracted, 120 g, and it takes 55 mm filters. Both have an STM motor and no image stabilization.
With 16 mm you fit far more scene into the frame, with 28 mm you get the classic reportage wide angle in an almost invisible size.
Which one suits whom?
- 16mm: You shoot interiors, architecture or landscapes and need a lot of angle of view at low weight.
- 28mm: You want an everyday focal length for street and travel that barely registers and is always with you.
Key differences
- Focal length: 16 mm on the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM, 28 mm on the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM.
- The Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 45 g lighter (120 g vs 165 g).
- The Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 44 mm shorter.
- The Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM focuses closer: from 13 cm instead of 23 cm.
- Filter thread: 43 mm on the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM, 55 mm on the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM | Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16 mm | 28 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 165 g | 120 g |
| Filter diameter | 43 mm | 55 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 13 cm | 23 cm |
| Length | 69 mm | 25 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | no |
Size comparison
- Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM: 69 × 40 mm
- Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM: 25 × 69 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).