Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM vs Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

RF 16mm F2.8 STM compared with RF 45mm F1.2 STM
CanonRF 16mm F2.8 STMCanonRF 45mm F1.2 STM
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2021November 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length16 mm45 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne plastic-moulded aspherical element (Canon USA)
Coatings–Super Spectra coating
Aperture detail–f/1.2–16
DiaphragmSeven bladesNine aperture blades
Angle of view–43°35′ horizontal, 29°50′ vertical and 51°20′ diagonal 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
Teleconverter support–Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.13 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.26×0.13×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailSTM autofocus and electronic manual focusingGear-type STM autofocus with magnetic focus-position detection; full-time electronic manual focus
Focus distance detailMinimum focusing distance 0.13 m; inner barrel extends when powered and during focusingMinimum focusing distance 0.45 m; Canon does not separately specify AF/MF distances
Magnification detailMaximum 0.26× reproduction–
Stabilisation detailNo optical IS, per OpticalLimits and Cameralabs; compatible camera stabilisation is separateNo optical image stabilisation (Canon USA)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoNo
Filter diameter43 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter69.2 mm78 mm
Length40.2 mm75 mm
Weight165 g (better)346 g
ControlsCombined focus/control ring and function switch; Cameralabs notes manual focus also needs selecting in camera settingsSeparate focus and clickable control rings; AF/MF switch; no iris ring or lens function button (Canon USA)
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 sealingNo dust or weather resistant construction (Canon USA)
Dimensions detailApproximately 69.2 mm maximum diameter × 40.2 mm length, retractedApproximately 78 mm maximum diameter × 75 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 165 g lensApproximately 346 g lens
Lens hoodEW-65C, sold separatelyOptional ES-73B hood and LP1116 case; E-67 II front cap and Lens Dust Cap RF listed by Canon
In the boxLens, EF-43 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual kitFront and rear lens caps (Amateur Photographer); hood not included
Release detailOctober 2021 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumCanon Japan's 14 November 2025 notice confirms first sale on 28 November 2025; Photography Blog instead reports availability from 20 November without a matching regional maker day, so no UK date is inferred

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