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Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM · Photo source
Canon · RF
RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM
A compact full-frame RF ultra-wide zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, STM autofocus and optical image stabilisation.
- Mount
- Canon RF
- Focal length
- 16–28 mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.8
- Stabilisation
- Yes
- Weight
- 445 g
What reviewers say
Both reviews praise corrected image quality, quiet fast autofocus and compact size, while stressing dependence on digital distortion correction. Digital Camera World likes the retractable design and travel value, but measures less stabilisation than claimed. OpticalLimits dislikes the extra deployment step and questions pricing against L-series alternatives, while finding strong central sharpness and respectable corrected corners.
From digitalcameraworld.com and opticallimits.com
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specOptics
- Lens type
- Zoom
- Focal length
- 16–28 mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Minimum aperture
- f/22
- Optical construction
- 16 elements in 13 groups
- Special elements
- Four UD elements and two aspherical elements, including a large-diameter replica aspherical element
- Diaphragm
- Nine blades
- Angle of view
- Full-frame horizontal 98°–65°, vertical 74°10′–46° and diagonal 108°10′–75°
Mount and compatibility
- Mounts
- Canon RF
- Image circle
- Full frame
- Compatibility
- Canon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. Physical 16–28 mm focal length, distinct from RF16mm F2.8 STM prime
Focus and stabilisation
- Autofocus
- Yes
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.2 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.26×
- Optical stabilisation
- Yes
- Autofocus detail
- Lead-screw STM autofocus and electronic full-time manual focus; inner focusing keeps lens length constant during focusing
- Focus distance detail
- Maker 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 detail
- Maker maximum magnification 0.26× at 28 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
- Stabilisation detail
- Lens 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 condition
- Video features
- Maker describes smooth quiet movie autofocus; Digital Camera World reports minimal focus breathing
Design
- Dust and moisture resistant
- Yes
- Filter diameter
- 67 mm
- Maximum diameter
- 76.5 mm
- Length
- 91 mm
- Weight
- 445 g
- Controls
- Shared focus/control ring and AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and IS switch
- Zoom design
- Retractable 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 detail
- 67 mm front filter thread
- Weather resistance
- Dust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof
- Dimensions detail
- Approximately76.5mm maximum diameter ×91mm stored;112.8mm long at16mm and102.1mm at28mm
- Weight detail
- Approximately445g lens
- Lens hood
- EW-73E, sold separately
- In the box
- UK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manual
- Release detail
- February2025 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 link
Pros and cons
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- 445 g lens weight
- Optical stabilisation and weather resistant construction
Cons
- Must extend from its storage position before shooting
- Hood sold separately
- Relies on electronic distortion correction
Closest rivals
Model | Mount | Focal length | Max aperture | Stabilisation | Weight | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF | 15–35 mm | f/2.8 | Yes | 840 g | Sept 2019 | |
| Canon RF | 15–30 mm | f/4.5–6.3 | Yes | 390 g | Aug 2022 | |
| Canon RF | 14–35 mm | f/4 | Yes | 540 g | Sept 2021 |
Sources
- canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf16-28mm-f2-8-is-stm/6906C005
- personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf16-28-f28/spec
- personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf16-28-f28
- faq.canon.jp/app/answers/detail/a_id/105228
- global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf547.html
- corporate.jp.canon/newsroom/newsrelease/2025/pr-0123
- digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/lenses/canon-rf-16-28mm-f-2-8-is-stm-review
Photo: personal.canon.jp
- Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM, front three-quarter view: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF16-28mm f2.8 IS STM Front_Slant.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.
- Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM, front three-quarter view with optional lens hood: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF16-28mm f2.8 IS STM Front_Slant_with_hood.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.
- Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM, side view showing controls: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF16-28mm f2.8 IS STM Side.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.
- Canon RF 16–28mm F2.8 IS STM, side view with barrel extended: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF16-28mm f2.8 IS STM Side_extended.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.