Canon · RF

RF 28mm F2.8 STM

Released July 2023

A 120 g full-frame RF pancake prime with f/2.8 aperture, STM autofocus and a combined focus/control ring.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
28 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
120 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise portability and strong centre sharpness, while noting reliance on digital distortion and shading corrections. OpticalLimits finds impressive wide-open sharpness across the frame; Photography Blog sees softer edges that improve stopped down. Photography Blog finds quick, reliable autofocus on EOS R8, while OpticalLimits considers it merely adequate and audible. Both recommend it within its compact everyday role.

From opticallimits.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com and photographyblog.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
28 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
Eight elements in six groups
Special elements
Three plastic-moulded aspherical elements; Super Spectra coating; no fluorine coating
Diaphragm
Seven blades, circular aperture

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon RF mount, full-frame image circle; RF extenders not compatible

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.23 m
Maximum magnification
0.17×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
STM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detail
Minimum focusing distance 0.23 m
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.17× reproduction
Stabilisation detail
No lens optical IS; compatible camera stabilisation is separate

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
No
Filter diameter
55 mm
Maximum diameter
69.2 mm
Length
24.7 mm
Weight
120 g
Controls
Combined focus/control ring with AF/Control/MF selector
Weather resistance
No dust or moisture resistance
Dimensions detail
Approximately 69.2 mm maximum diameter × 24.7 mm length, retracted
Weight detail
Approximately 120 g lens
Lens hood
EW-55, sold separately
In the box
Lens, E-55 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detail
July 2023 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 120 g lens weight
  • 24.7 mm retracted length
  • f/2.8 maximum aperture

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • No weather seals
  • Lens hood sold separately

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF24 mmf/1.8Yes270 gAug 2022
Canon RF24 mmf/1.4No515 gDec 2024
Canon RF35 mmf/1.4No555 gJul 2024

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-28mm-f2-8-stm/specifications
  2. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-28mm-f2-8-stm-lens/6128C005
  3. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf526.html
  4. opticallimits.com/canon/canon-rf/canon-rf-28mm-f-2-8-stm
  5. photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_rf_28mm_f2_8_stm_review
  6. photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_rf_28mm_f2_8_stm_review/sharpness_1
  7. photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_rf_28mm_f2_8_stm_review/conclusion

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF28mm f2.8 STM Front Slant.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

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