Canon RF 14–35mm F4 L IS USM vs Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| CanonRF 14–35mm F4 L IS USM | CanonRF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | September 2021 | February 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 14–35 mm | 16–28 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | Sixteen elements in twelve groups | 16 elements in 13 groups |
| Special elements | Two UD elements, one UD aspherical element and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; Super Spectra, SWC and ASC coatings; fluorine coating on the front surface of the front element | Four UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical element |
| Diaphragm | Nine blades with circular aperture | Nine blades |
| Angle of view | – | Full-frame horizontal 98°–65°, vertical 74°10′–46° and diagonal 108°10′–75° |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Compatibility | Canon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatible | Canon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. Physical 16–28 mm focal length, distinct from RF16mm F2.8 STM prime |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.2 m | 0.2 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.38× | 0.26× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Nano USM rear focusing system; full-time manual focus in One-Shot AF | Lead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum focus 0.2 m throughout the zoom range | Maker 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| Magnification detail | Maximum 0.38× at 35 mm | Maker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred |
| Stabilisation detail | Optical IS rated 5.5 stops with EOS R at 35 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated seven stops with EOS R5 at 35 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch | 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 resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 84.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Length | 99.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Weight | 540 g | 445 g (better) |
| Controls | Zoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switches; automatic panning detection | Shared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switch |
| Zoom design | Barrel extends towards both ends of the zoom range; minimum length near 22 mm; camera-side electronic distortion correction contributes to the compact optical design | Retractable 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 resistance | Weather-resistant seals at the mount, switches, zoom ring, focus ring and control ring | Dust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 84.1 mm maximum diameter × 99.8 mm minimum length near 22 mm; maximum length 107.9 mm at 35 mm (Canon USA specifications) | Approximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mm |
| Weight detail | Approximately 540 g lens | Approximately445g lens |
| Lens hood | EW-83P petal hood included | EW-73E, sold separately |
| In the box | Lens, E-77 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-83P hood, LP1219 soft case and user manual | UK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manual |
| Release detail | September 2021 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum | February2025 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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