Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Price, Specs, Availability Confirmed
Canon has introduced the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM, a compact and lightweight wide-angle zoom lens for its EOS R-series cameras. This full-frame lens combines a constant f/2.8 aperture, image stabilisation and weather sealing, offering a strong alternative to Canon’s pricier L-series options.
Targeted at enthusiast photographers, the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is designed for landscapes, architecture, travel and video. While not an L-series lens, it boasts impressive build quality and optical performance at a more accessible price point.
Read our Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Review
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is constructed from 16 elements arranged in 13 groups, including four UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) and two aspherical elements. These specialised components reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion, delivering sharp images across the frame. Canon’s Super Spectra Coating further minimises ghosting and flare, ensuring contrast-rich photos.
The lens’ constant f/2.8 aperture is useful for low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field. Its optical image stabilisation (IS) also offers up to 5.5 stops of shake reduction, which extends to 8 stops when paired with a camera featuring in-body stabilisation (IBIS).
With a closest focusing distance of 25cm at 16mm and 26cm at 28mm, the lens also enables creative wide-angle close-ups. The maximum magnification is 0.11x at 16mm and 0.26x at 28mm, allowing for context-rich details.
Canon has incorporated its STM (Stepping Motor) technology for silent and smooth autofocus, making the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM well-suited to video recording. It’s also compatible with Canon’s focus breathing correction, an added bonus for videographers.
At just 445g and measuring 91mm in length, the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is highly portable. Its collapsible design makes it easy to pack, although users need to extend the zoom ring before shooting. While the lens is weather-sealed to resist dust and moisture, it’s not as robust as Canon’s L-series optics.
The lens has two control rings: a customisable ring for manual focusing or parameter adjustments (e.g., aperture, shutter speed, or ISO) and a zoom ring. An AF/MF switch ensures easy toggling between focus modes.
The lens has a 67mm filter thread, making filters more affordable compared to larger lenses. However, Canon has not included a lens hood; the compatible EW-73E hood must be purchased separately.
Although the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is a full-frame lens, it can also be used on APS-C format Canon EOS R-series cameras such as the Canon EOS R7, on which it has an effective focal length of 25.6-44.8mm.
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM on the Canon R8.
Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Price and Availability
The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM has an expected price of £1,249.99 / €1,419.99 and goes on sale on 14th February.
Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Specifications
Lens type: Wide-angle zoom
Announced: 23rd January 2025
Format: Full-frame
Mount: Canon RF
Construction: 16 elements in 13 groups with 4 UD and 2 aspherical elements, including 1 GMo aspherical element
Coatings: Super Spectra
Number of diaphragm blades: 9
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Closest focusing distance: At 16mm: 25cm, at 28mm: 26cm
Stabilisation: Optical: 5.5EV, Optical & IBIS (In body stabilisation): 8EV
Filter size: 67mm
Dimensions (length X diameter): 91 x 76.5mm
Weight: 445g
Lens hood: EW-73E (not supplied)