|
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. |
As we do every release, we'll take a look at the MTFs of the newest Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM and see how it measures up to other lenses in Canon's arsenal to give you a better idea of how the lens will perform in real life.
TLDR: If you are okay with the limited zoom range, this lens will not disappoint you.
Preorder Options
- B&H 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
An excellent APS-C lens – if you can handle the limited zoom range
Even though $1150 is a lot of money for a normal lens, this would certainly fit the optical performance criteria, and we can see that out to around 12-15mm on the MTF; this lens is pretty exceptional. The contrast and resolution tailing off doesn't happen until after the APS-C image circle.
At an equivalent focal range of 25mm to 45mm – I wouldn't recommend it unless you always take images on a crop camera from its widest focal to around its middle focal length on the existing kit lens. But is the majority of your shooting wide-angle or semi-wide? This is the lens for you.
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 Comparison
The Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is a consumer-grade ultra-wide angle from Canon. It's a fairly cheap lens, retailing for around $550. As you can see on the wide end the new 16-28mm f.28 is sharper with better contrast throughout the range. Though the consumer lens does start at 15mm, Some may find that extra 1mm on the ultra wide end to be very important, especially when the new RF 16-28mm f2.8 is twice the price.
RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
On the telephoto end, the new Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM has better center performance and corner performance for contrast and resolution.
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM Comparison
Now we get into the “unfair” comparisons where the new RF 16-28mm f/2.8 costs considerably less than its “L” professional brothers. But it's still a good comparison to see how close the Canon 16-28 gets to the professional grade lenses.
The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM is most likely the closest comparison, being a constant f/2.8 and close to the same range. The L lens does have 1 extra millimetre on the wide end, and some will find that extremely valuable
Performance-wise, on the long end, if we ignore the 15mm vs 16mm difference, the new RF 16-28mm f/2.8 does not disappoint, with better center performance and also better corner performance.
RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM
RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
On the long end, the fact that the 16-28 has a much smaller zoom range plays a factor here, as it has slightly better contrast and resolution at the center and a smoother dropoff into the corners.
Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM Comparison
This lens is around the same price as the new RF 16-28mm f2.8 lens. You trade a longer zoom range, an extra 2mm on the wide end, for a lens that is 1 stop faster.
At the wide end, the 14-35mm is simply an exceptional lens, but the new rf16-28 f/2.8 doesn't give up much in terms of performance, even though it's a stop faster. It's very likely that stopping down one full stop to F4 would result in better performance for the F2.8 lens.
RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM
RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM
On the telephoto end, the performance is similar, and I'd give the nod to the F2.8 simply because it's a stop faster. For this comparison, it comes down to whether you want the lens speed versus the better build quality and longer range of the RF 14-35mm F4L IS USM.
Preorder Options
- B&H 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.