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Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L USM vs Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 16–35mm f/2.8L USMCanonRF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2001February 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm16–28 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in ten groups16 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsThree aspherical elements, comprising ground-and-polished, replica and glass-moulded types, plus two UD elements according to PhotozoneFour UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical element
DiaphragmSeven blades; circular aperture according to both reviewsNine blades
Angle of view–Full-frame horizontal 98°–65°, vertical 74°10′–46° and diagonal 108°10′–75°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensorsCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. Physical 16–28 mm focal length, distinct from RF16mm F2.8 STM prime
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.26×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailRing USM autofocus with full-time manual focusing in One Shot AF according to PhotozoneLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing
Focus distance detailFloating optical system according to Photozone; non-rotating filter thread according to both reviewsMaker minimum focus distance 0.20 m at 28 mm; Digital Camera World reports 0.25 m at 16 mm. Maker AF/MF distinction absent and omitted
Magnification detail–Maker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detail–Lens optical IS rated 5.5 stops at 28 mm with EOS R8, yaw/pitch under CIPA2024. Coordinated EOS R1 body/lens IS rated eight central and7.5 peripheral stops at28mm, yaw/pitch/roll. Digital Camera World measured about four stops on EOS R8 at16mm, a different test condition
Video features–Maker describes smooth quiet movie autofocus; Digital Camera World reports minimal focus breathing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm76.5 mm
Length103 mm91 mm
Weight600 g445 g
ControlsSeparate focus and zoom rings, focus-mode switch and distance windowShared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switch
Zoom designConstant outer length with some internal tube movement according to PhotozoneRetractable zoom must be extended for shooting; maker length91mm stored,112.8mm at16mm and102.1mm at28mm. Camera-side electronic distortion correction is part of the optical design according to Canon Camera Museum
Filter detail–67 mm front filter thread
Weather resistanceCanon identifies water and dust resistance at the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ringDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof
Dimensions detail–Approximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mm
Weight detail–Approximately445g lens
Lens hoodEW-83E hood and LP1319 soft pouch according to The Digital PictureEW-73E, sold separately
In the boxLens, hood and case according to Canon Camera MuseumUK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 2001 marketing; no first-sale day is givenFebruary2025 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum; original Japan maker announcement and FAQ specify lateFebruary. No exact international first retail day inferred. Co-sold ultra-wide zooms are alternatives, with no inferred successor link

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