Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Full-Frame Lens (2021)
Product Gallery
Product Overview
Canon RF16mm F2.8 STM is a compact ultra-wide-angle prime lens for the company's RF-mount mirrorless system. The first ultra-wide lens in the RF system, the RF16mm F2.8 STM targets the consumer market as a light and affordable option that should sell in higher volumes.
Aesthetically, the RF16mm F2.8 STM takes on the identical design shared by other affordable RF-mount lenses such as RF50mm F1.8 STM and RF85mm F2 Macro IS STM. It has a moderate f/2.8 maximum aperture and uses a single STM stepping motor for autofocus. These specifications alongside the 7-bladed aperture again affirm the market positioning of this lens.
As per usual, Canon does not include a lens hood for the RF16mm F2.8 STM in the box, though it happily accepts one. There is also a 43mm filter thread.
While this lens does not look like a reason to buy into Canon's RF system, for those who are already bought into the system it is certainly a welcoming addition that will be found in many photographers' bags.
Ratings
What we found**
Neofiliac score 71% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Good price point
Cons
- Lens hood not included
- Lacks weather sealing
What external reviewers found***
External score 79% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
- Good build quality
- Excellent sharpness
- Good image quality
- Compact, light and affordable
- Lightweight, compact design
- Ultra-wide coverage
Cons
- No weather protection
- No optical stabilisation
- High price
- Heavy barrel distortion
- Vignetting in corners
Price Comparison
Specifications
Construction
Aperture Blades
7 blades
Colors
Black
Form Factor
Ultra Wide-Angle Prime Lens
Image Size
Full-Frame
Lens Mount
Canon RF-mount
Motor
Stepper motor
Optical Formula | Elements
9 elements
Optical Formula | Groups
7 groups
Optical Formula | Special Glass
1 aspherical element, Super Spectra Coating groups
Dimensions
Filter Diameter
43 mm / 1.69 in
Size | Diameter
40 mm / 1.57 in
Size | Length
69 mm / 2.72 in
Weight
165 g / 5.83 oz
Function
Angle Of View
107.1° Diagonal | 96.7° Horizontal | 73.7° Vertical
Aperture
f/2.8 ~ f/22
Autofocus
Yes
Focal Length
16 mm
Focus Type
Internal
Image Stabilization
No
Weather Resistance
No
Performance
Max Magnification
0.26x
Min Focus Distance
130 mm / 5.12 in
Production
Accessory
Lens Hood: EW-65C (sold separately)
Debut
2021-09-14
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Launch Comparison
Clear List
3rd-Party Review Videos
External Reviews
cameralabs[1]
Reviewer score 77%Like many compact and affordable lenses today, the RF 16 2.8 makes substantial use of digital corrections, in particular to compensate for significant barrel distortion. If you shoot video or JPEGs in-camera, the corrections take place automatically and you’re left with a normal-looking image. But if you shoot RAW, applying the lens profile in your software will have the same effect, but it also gives you the chance to turn it off.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Ultra-wide coverage
- Compact, light and affordable
- Digital corrections
Cons
- No optical stabilisation
- Vignetting in corners
pcmag[2]
Reviewer score 82%Canon's RF 16mm F2.8 STM is easy to recommend to Canon system owners. If you're using an EOS R or RP, you may miss the feature for handheld video work. The lens manages both good resolution and crisp multi-point sunstars at f/16.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design
- Excellent sharpness
- Dust and splash protection
- Autofocus
Cons
- Heavy barrel distortion
- No weather protection
digitalpicture[3]
Reviewer score 78%The Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens is compatible with all Canon EOS R-series cameras. The lens has extreme barrel distortion, strong lateral CA, and a budget AF system. The RF 16 uses smaller filters (43mm vs. 82mm) and has a higher maximum magnification.
Find the original article here.
Pros
- Low price
- Low distortion and lateral CA
- Good image quality
- Good build quality
Cons
- High price
User Reviews
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References
- ^ Canon RF 16mm f2.8 STM review. [cameralabs]. https://www.cameralabs.com/canon-rf-16mm-f2-8-stm-review/. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
- ^ Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Review. [pcmag]. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/canon-rf-16mm-f28-stm. 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
- ^ Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens Review. [digitalpicture]. https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-RF-16mm-F2.8-STM-Lens.aspx. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
The MSRP provided on this page may not apply to all regions equally. For the current price, please refer to the Price Comparison section.
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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.
These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.
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