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Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM vs Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM

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 20mm F1.4 L VCM
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2025April 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–28 mm20 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groupsFifteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsFour UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical elementOne Super UD, two UD, one BR and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coating
DiaphragmNine bladesEleven blades with circular aperture
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 for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatible. Iris ring provides movie aperture control; Canon lists EOS R, RP, Ra, R3, R5, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, R50, R100 and R5 C as unable to set still-photo aperture with this ring even with their latest firmware
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.26×0.19×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusingRear focusing system driven by a VCM motor
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 focus 0.2 m
Magnification detailMaker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferredMaximum 0.19×
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 stabiliser; Canon rates EOS R1 in-body stabilisation at 8 stops centrally and 5 stops in the corners under CIPA-2024 testing
Video featuresMaker describes smooth quiet movie autofocus; Digital Camera World reports minimal focus breathing–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm76.5 mm
Length91 mm99.3 mm
Weight445 g519 g
ControlsShared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switchElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switch
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 thread67 mm front thread and rear filter holder; Canon specifies a single rear filter no thicker than 0.2 mm and recommends removing the holder when unused to avoid possible ghosting
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 construction with mount rubber seal
Dimensions detailApproximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mmApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length
Weight detailApproximately445g lensApproximately 519 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73E, sold separatelyEW-73H hood included
In the boxUK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manualLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73H hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder 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 linkApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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