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Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM vs Canon RF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ

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 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2025June 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–28 mm20–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsFour UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical elementTwo glass-moulded aspherical and three UD elements
Coatings–ASC and Super Spectra; fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detail–Constant maximum f/4, minimum f/22 throughout the range
DiaphragmNine bladesNine aperture blades
Angle of viewFull-frame horizontal 98°–65°, vertical 74°10′–46° and diagonal 108°10′–75°Horizontal 84°–40°, vertical 62°–27° and diagonal 94°–46° on full frame
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 EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle; power-zoom control from camera body or remote devices depends on compatible model and firmware
Teleconverter support–Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.26×0.33×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusingNano USM autofocus; full-time manual focus; maker rear-focus design retains length during 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 omitted–
Magnification detailMaker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferredMaker maximum magnification 0.14× at 20 mm or 0.33× at 50 mm; no AF/MF mode specified in the table
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 conditionMaker six-stop optical IS or combined camera/lens eight stops at centre and corners under CIPA-2024, at maximum focal length with its specified camera; not guaranteed in every shooting setup
Video featuresMaker describes smooth quiet movie autofocus; Digital Camera World reports minimal focus breathingInternal multi-speed power zoom and optically suppressed focus breathing; zoom ring switches between powered and conventional manual operation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm79.9 mm
Length91 mm98.4 mm
Weight445 g420 g
ControlsShared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switchCustomisable control ring, focus ring and zoom ring; PZ/MZ selector, custom button, AF/MF and stabiliser switches (Digital Camera World; ePHOTOzine)
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 MuseumInternal zoom/focus keeps barrel length fixed; ePHOTOzine describes conventional mechanical manual zoom, while Digital Camera World's prose calls it fly-by-wire; no silent choice between those reviewer descriptions
Filter detail67 mm front filter thread67 mm front screw-in filter thread
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproofDust and moisture resistant with mount gasket; maker warns camera attachment is required and protection cannot prevent all dust or water ingress; no waterproof/IP rating inferred
Dimensions detailApproximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mmApproximately 79.9 mm maximum diameter × 98.4 mm length
Weight detailApproximately445g lensApproximately 420 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73E, sold separatelyES-73B; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessories
In the boxUK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manual–
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 linkCanon Japan's 11 June 2026 notice confirms first sale from 26 June 2026, resolving the earlier late-June launch wording

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