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Canon RF 14mm F1.4L VCM 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

CanonRF 14mm F1.4L VCMCanonRF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2026February 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length14 mm16–28 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical construction18 elements in 13 groups16 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite, one UD, one BR and three glass-moulded aspherical elementsFour UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical element
CoatingsTwo ASC coatings, SWC and Super Spectra; fluorine coating on the front element–
Aperture detailf/1.4–16; iris ring supports stepless aperture control in video, with stills compatibility dependent on camera model–
Diaphragm11 circular aperture bladesNine blades
Angle of view104° horizontal, 81° vertical and 114° diagonal on full frameFull-frame horizontal 98°–65°, vertical 74°10′–46° and diagonal 108°10′–75°
ProjectionRectilinear ultra-wide design–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle; iris-ring functions depend on the camera and firmwareCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. Physical 16–28 mm focal length, distinct from RF16mm F2.8 STM prime
Teleconverter supportCanon RF extenders not compatible–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.24 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.11×0.26×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailVoice Coil Motor autofocus; electronic manual focus ring; maker rear-focus design maintains lens length during focusingLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing
Focus distance detail–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Magnification detail–Maker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical IS; maker lists camera IBIS CIPA-2024 performance of 6.5 stops at the centre and 2.5 at the corners, subject to the compatible camera/test conditionsLens 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 featuresStepless iris ring; Canon Japan identifies EOS R1/EOS R5 Mark II stills iris-ring support; the US launch also names EOS R6 Mark III; do not assume the same support on every EOS R bodyMaker describes smooth quiet movie autofocus; Digital Camera World reports minimal focus breathing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter–67 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm76.5 mm
Length112 mm91 mm
Weight578 g445 g
ControlsCustomisable control ring, electronic focus ring, iris ring with Auto-position lock, AF/MF switch and custom function button (controls confirmed by Digital Camera World)Shared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switch
Zoom 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 detailNo front screw-in filter thread; rear gelatin-filter holder for 36.7 × 29.4 mm filters67 mm front filter thread
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant structure with mount gasket; Canon states resistance requires attachment to a camera and cannot prevent all dust or water ingress; no IP rating inferredDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 112 mm length; integral hoodApproximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mm
Weight detailApproximately 578 g lensApproximately445g lens
Lens hoodBuilt into the lens barrel; maker lists lens cap 14B, Lens Dust Cap RF and pouch LP1219 as accessoriesEW-73E, sold separately
In the box–UK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manual
Release detailCanon Japan specifies first sale on 20 February 2026; US announcement expected availability by the end of February, rather than the same exact regional dayFebruary2025 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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