Last Updated on 01/23/2025 by Chris Gampat
Canon surprised its users with a new launch this morning. After opening its gates to third-party lens manufacturers, the company is now in a bid to compete with them with its latest wide-angle zoom lens: 16-28mm f2.8 IS STM. Per its release, the lens has been revealed to cater to the needs of “modern content creators,” meaning that it’s for both video and stills. Here’s a look at what it has to offer.
One of its major selling points, other than its size and portability, is its weather resistance. According to Canon, the lens was inspired by the L-series and features dust—and weather-resistant construction. This is pretty huge for a full-frame and APS-C Canon lens, as an L-series will cost them twice the amount. In addition, the lens does not come with a hood, and users will have to purchase that separately. Here is a look at some of its features:
| Lens | Canon EOS R-series, full-frame, and APS-C |
| Maximum and Minimum Aperture | f2.8 – f22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.25 m/0.82 ft. (at 16mm), 0.2 m/0.66 ft. (at 28mm) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.11x (at 16 mm), 0.26x (at 28mm) |
| Lens Construction | 16 elements in 13 groups |
| Special Elements | Four UD Lenses, and Two Aspherical Lenses |
| Lens Coating | SSC (Super Spectra Coating) |
| Filter Size Diameter | 67 mm |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| Image Stabilization | 5.5 stops correction |
| Focusing Drive System | STM (Stepping Motor) |
| Full-time Manual Focusing | Yes |
| AF/Servo AF Compatibility | Supports both ONE SHOT AF and SERVO AF with compatible EOS R-series cameras |
| Control Ring | Combined with Control Ring (user-selectable) |
| Manual Focus Ring | Not Provided |
| AF/MF Switch | AF/CONTROL/MF Switch Provided |
| Iris Ring | Not Provided |
| Dust / Weather Resistant Construction | 5.5 stops Coordinated IS, with IBIS: 8.0 stops (at center); 7.5 stops at corners |
| Maximum Outer Diameter x Length | 3.0 in. x 3.6-inch (91mm) |
| Weight | 445g |
This is the second edition in the RF lineup, right after the 28-70mm f2.8, which is aimed to be a cheaper option for those wanting better weather sealing. However, the RF 16-28mm f2.8 IS STM is priced at $1,149, which is a bit pricey for a wide-angle lens. But, if you consider the price of Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM and RF 10-20mm f4 L IS STM, both of which cost about $2,299, then this is a worthy option. It may not have all the seals like an L-lens, but you can consider it if you want to stick to first-party lenses.
However, Sigma is now able to make lenses for Canon, and the company has already announced 16-28mm f2.8 in 2023. That lens can now be available for RF mount and could be priced similarly to its original price of $899. The $250 disparity may not be huge for professionals, but it can make a difference to emerging photographers. In our review of the lens, we stated: “Landscape and architectural photographers craving straight lines may want to keep saving and skip the Sigma. Character to one photographer is something to edit out in post to another. The other potential reason to skip? The weather-sealing is at the mount only, so this lens may need professional dust cleaning down the road.”
From the looks of it, Canon will try to ensure people purchase their lenses from third parties, which may help the company keep improving its products. Perhaps, with time, they will find ways to make their products affordable. But for now, it seems like the lens is dedicated to people who are into astrophotography, architecture, or landscape photography and need a brighter aperture.
For more information, visit Canon’ss website.
