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Canon RF 16mm F2.8 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 16mm F2.8 STMCanonRF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2021June 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length16 mm20–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsOne 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
DiaphragmSeven bladesNine aperture blades
Angle of view–Horizontal 84°–40°, vertical 62°–27° and diagonal 94°–46° on full frame
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount, full-frame image circle; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatibleCanon 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 distance0.13 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.26×0.33×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailSTM autofocus and electronic manual focusingNano USM autofocus; full-time manual focus; maker rear-focus design retains length during focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focusing distance 0.13 m; inner barrel extends when powered and during focusing–
Magnification detailMaximum 0.26× reproductionMaker maximum magnification 0.14× at 20 mm or 0.33× at 50 mm; no AF/MF mode specified in the table
Stabilisation detailNo optical IS, per OpticalLimits and Cameralabs; compatible camera stabilisation is separateMaker 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 features–Internal multi-speed power zoom and optically suppressed focus breathing; zoom ring switches between powered and conventional manual operation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter43 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter69.2 mm79.9 mm
Length40.2 mm98.4 mm
Weight165 g420 g
ControlsCombined focus/control ring and function switch; Cameralabs notes manual focus also needs selecting in camera settingsCustomisable control ring, focus ring and zoom ring; PZ/MZ selector, custom button, AF/MF and stabiliser switches (Digital Camera World; ePHOTOzine)
Zoom design–Internal 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 detailOnly one filter at a time; Canon 250D/500D close-up lenses and PL-C B circular polariser not compatible67 mm front screw-in filter thread
Weather resistanceOpticalLimits and Cameralabs report no weather sealingDust 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 detailApproximately 69.2 mm maximum diameter × 40.2 mm length, retractedApproximately 79.9 mm maximum diameter × 98.4 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 165 g lensApproximately 420 g lens
Lens hoodEW-65C, sold separatelyES-73B; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessories
In the boxLens, EF-43 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual kit–
Release detailOctober 2021 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumCanon Japan's 11 June 2026 notice confirms first sale from 26 June 2026, resolving the earlier late-June launch wording

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