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We are starting to get more details released on the Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, and while we've already given out our patent overview and MTF comparisons, more details are never bad.
It should be noted that pre-production versions of the lenses have gone out to the usual reviewers, so I do believe that they are not allowed to post full-sized images detailing the exact level of performance that you can get from the lens.
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
Gordon of Cameralabs had a chance to use a pre-production model of the lens and feels the lens certainly is quite good;
My time with the new RF 16-28 2.8 was fairly brief so far, but it certainly delivered some impressive results, sharp into the corners and capable of greater separation than the budget 15-30 thanks to the brighter and constant aperture. And bonus points for having both weather sealing and optical image stabilisation.
https://www.cameralabs.com/canon-rf-16-28mm-f2-8-is-stm-review/
DigitalCameraWorld (DCW) for short, has also weighed in on the Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM and a little oddly compared it against the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, not a lens that I would have chosen as my basis of comparison. But it's also a good point that Canon has progressed from being rather sad and quite, well, comically bad at making ultra wides to basically being able to make almost any ultra wide that can be imagined, and some, like this lens – ones that people didn't even really imagine. DCW does show some close-up crops, so you can determine for yourself the corner performance, etc.
The Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM is small, light, weather-sealed, feature-packed and half the price of its 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM sibling – so what's not to like! If you're thinking of buying a wide-angle zoom for your R-series camera, you could do far worse than the RF 16-28mm. It boasts incredible stabilization, quiet autofocus that's fast and smooth, and my early tests with a beta sample show comparable image quality to the older Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III.
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/lenses/canon-rf-16-28mm-f-2-8-is-stm-review
As well as written reviews, there are quite a bit of video resources now out and my top picks in that category are below.
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
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.