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Canon just announced a new ultra wide angle lens for the RF mount. The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is very suited to be paired with the 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM that Canon delivered last year.
It certainly feels as if Canon is making an F2.8 IS STM prosumer lineup of lenses, and I'm all here for that.
Preorder Options
- B&H Photo: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Midwest Photo: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Adorama: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Canon USA: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Foto Koch: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM €1309
- Wex Photo: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM £1249
MELVILLE, NY, January 22, 2025 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to unveil the new RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM lens, joining the Canon RF28–70mm F2.8 STM as a more affordable f/2.8 zoom option for Canon mirrorless users. Designed for modern content creators, this lens delivers outstanding image quality, portability, and versatility—ideal for use across both photo and video.
Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM with EOS R6 Mark II
Whether filming cinematic video or shooting intimate photo portraits, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM provides sharp details and vibrant colors to elevate content with ease. Its compact, durable design makes it the perfect companion for creators working in both urban environments and remote locations, offering performance typically reserved for larger lenses.
Engineered for professionals and beginners alike, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM combines fast autofocus, smooth aperture control, and outstanding optics. With the wide f/2.8 constant maximum aperture and ultra wide-angle zoom coverage, it captures high-resolution, crisp footage, while minimizing technical challenges, allowing creators to expand their creative vision. The lens also features focus breathing correction, which smooths video transitions during focus changes—an essential asset for filmmakers aiming for a polished, professional look in evolving shooting environments.
Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Weathersealing
Additionally, the lens incorporates advanced stabilization systems for both stills and video. Coordinated control with Peripheral IS minimizes distortion at the edges of wide-angle shots, providing clear, crisp images across the entire frame. For video, coordinated control with Movie Digital IS enhances stabilization, making it perfect for handheld or highspeed shots, keeping footage steady and smooth even when walking or shooting in changing settings.
As demand for dynamic, high-quality content continues to grow, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM stands out as an indispensable tool for photo and video content creators, landscape and travel enthusiasts, and everyday photographers alike—and the flexibility to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced digital world.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens is available and currently scheduled to ship on February 11, 2025, for an estimated retail price of $1,149.00*.
Preorder Options
- B&H Photo: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Midwest Photo: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Adorama: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Canon USA: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM $1149
- Foto Koch: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM €1309
- Wex Photo: Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM £1249
Specifications
| Principal specifications | |
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 16–28 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 5.5 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Canon RF, Canon RF-S |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F2.8 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 13 |
| Special elements / coatings | 2 aspherical, 4UD |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.20 m (7.87″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.26× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 445 g (0.98 lb) |
| Diameter | 77 mm (3.03″) |
| Length | 91 mm (3.58″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | No |
| Hood product code | EW-73E |
| Tripod collar | No |
TLDR; If you are okay with the limited zoom range, this lens will not disappoint you.
Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM MTF Comparison
it's L quality performance though. the MTF's are very good. limited zoom range helps with that.
Wondering what benefits and disadvantages I´d have if I swap it for my RF 14-35mm F4. Given the current price point and the fact I love my 14-35mm, I´m not gonna switch now. But if the new lens has good performance in the corners and wide open (night sky/ night scapes) I might consider swapping them one day.
Just judging from MFT´s (Thx Richard) it almost looks like the new lens might outperform the 15-35mm L. If so, there is another reason for a mkii version (beside weight).
Still quite expensive
German MRSP: 1.299,00 €
Ah, GAS is a wonderful thing.
I was shocked that I hadn't read about it here yet ;-)
doesn't surprise me. the R8 plus the two lenses is a very good travel kit for under 1400g.