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Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM vs Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STMCanonRF 16mm F2.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2025October 2021
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–28 mm16 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsFour UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical elementOne aspherical element
DiaphragmNine bladesSeven blades
Angle of viewFull-frame horizontal 98°–65°, vertical 74°10′–46° and diagonal 108°10′–75°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. Physical 16–28 mm focal length, distinct from RF16mm F2.8 STM primeCanon RF mount, full-frame image circle; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.13 m
Maximum magnification0.26×0.26×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusingSTM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detailMaker 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 omittedMinimum focusing distance 0.13 m; inner barrel extends when powered and during focusing
Magnification detailMaker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferredMaximum 0.26× reproduction
Stabilisation detailLens 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 conditionNo optical IS, per OpticalLimits and Cameralabs; compatible camera stabilisation is separate
Video featuresMaker describes smooth quiet movie autofocus; Digital Camera World reports minimal focus breathing–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter67 mm43 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm69.2 mm
Length91 mm40.2 mm
Weight445 g165 g
ControlsShared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switchCombined focus/control ring and function switch; Cameralabs notes manual focus also needs selecting in camera settings
Zoom designRetractable 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 detail67 mm front filter threadOnly one filter at a time; Canon 250D/500D close-up lenses and PL-C B circular polariser not compatible
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproofOpticalLimits and Cameralabs report no weather sealing
Dimensions detailApproximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mmApproximately 69.2 mm maximum diameter × 40.2 mm length, retracted
Weight detailApproximately445g lensApproximately 165 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73E, sold separatelyEW-65C, sold separately
In the boxUK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manualLens, EF-43 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual kit
Release detailFebruary2025 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 linkOctober 2021 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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