The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM is a compelling addition to Canon’s RF lens lineup. After hands-on testing, this lens is a practical choice for photographers and videographers seeking wide-angle capabilities without the bulk and cost of L-series glass.
Build and Handling
Weighing just 445g, this lens immediately impresses with its compact design. It shares nearly identical dimensions with the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM, making them perfect companions. The build quality feels solid, with weather sealing throughout – a feature often reserved for pricier L-series lenses.
The zoom ring operates smoothly with a comfortable 45-degree throw between 16mm and 28mm. A retractable design helps keep the lens compact when not in use. The STM focus motor delivers silent operation – crucial for video work.
Image Quality
At 16mm F2.8, the lens displays impressive sharpness across the frame. While some vignetting is present at wider angles, in-camera corrections handle this effectively. The constant F2.8 aperture proves valuable in low light and for creating background separation, even at wide focal lengths.
The lens truly shines when shooting landscapes and architecture. Four Ultra-low Dispersion elements, including a large-diameter front element borrowed from L-series design, help maintain clarity and control chromatic aberration effectively.
Stabilization Performance
The built-in Image Stabilization system provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction independently. When paired with newer RF bodies, this increases to 8.0 stops at the centre and 7.5 stops at the corners – particularly beneficial for handheld video work.
Real-World Usage
In practical use, the lens excels at:
- Landscape photography with edge-to-edge clarity
- Architectural shots with well-controlled distortion
- Environmental portraits with pleasing background blur
- Vlogging, thanks to its lightweight design and silent focusing
- Close-up work with a minimum focus distance of 7.9 inches at 28mm
Value Proposition
The RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM hits a sweet spot between the budget RF 15-30mm and premium L-series options. While it may not match the optical perfection of the RF 15-35mm F2.8L, it delivers remarkable performance for its size and price point.
Conclusion
For photographers seeking professional-grade wide-angle capabilities without L-series bulk and cost, the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM delivers. Its combination of constant F2.8 aperture, effective stabilization, and weather sealing make it a versatile tool for both stills and video.
Buy The RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM
Purchase the Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM from Campkins Cameras, where our expert team can guide you through its features and help you get the most from this versatile wide-angle lens.
