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Canon RF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS 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

CanonRF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS USMCanonRF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2019February 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length15–35 mm16–28 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groups16 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and UD elements; SWC and ASC coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elementsFour UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical element
DiaphragmNine blades with circular apertureNine blades
Angle of view–Full-frame horizontal 98°–65°, vertical 74°10′–46° and diagonal 108°10′–75°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatibleCanon 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 magnification0.21×0.26×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailNano USM motor; electronic manual focusingLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.28 mMaker 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Magnification detailMaximum 0.21× at 35 mmMaker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detailOptical IS rated five stops with EOS R at 35 mm under CIPA standardsLens 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 diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm76.5 mm
Length126.8 mm91 mm
Weight840 g445 g
ControlsZoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switchesShared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switch
Zoom designBarrel extends as the lens zooms from 35 mm towards 15 mm (Cameralabs)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 resistanceDust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets enteringDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof
Dimensions detailApproximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 126.8 mm length, retractedApproximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mm
Weight detailApproximately 840 g lensApproximately445g lens
Lens hoodEW-88F petal hood includedEW-73E, sold separately
In the boxLens, E-82 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-88F hood and LP1222 caseUK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manual
Release detailSeptember 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumFebruary2025 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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