Canon has introduced the RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, a wide-angle zoom lens designed for the EOS R mirrorless system, offering creators an affordable yet high-performance option. This lens features a bright, constant f/2.8 aperture, making it Canon’s second non-professional-grade constant aperture zoom lens.
Enhanced features for creators
The RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM caters to photographers and videographers looking for an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that provides dynamic perspective, flexibility, and sharp image quality. With its bright, constant f/2.8 aperture, this lens empowers users to achieve stunning bokeh and low-light performance, previously accessible only through professional-grade or prime lenses.
Whether shooting dramatic compositions at 16mm or natural-looking portraits at 28mm, creators on a budget can now enjoy greater control over exposure settings. For APS-C cameras, the lens doubles as a standard zoom, offering an equivalent focal range of 25.6mm to 44.8mm, suitable for landscapes, portraits, and street photography.
Ichinomiya Takashi, Director of Regional ICB Sales & Marketing Division at Canon Singapore, said, “With the new RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, users have a high-performance wide-angle zoom option that is affordable, provides premium image quality and versatility of a bright, constant f/2.8 aperture. Its compact portable body supplements the RF28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM standard zoom lens, and both are our latest offerings in a new series that will raise standards for RF lenses.”
Lightweight, compact, and stabilised
Weighing approximately 445g and measuring 9.1cm in length, the RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM is ideal for travel and handheld shooting. Its compact design allows for pairing with gimbals, making it user-friendly for vloggers and explorers alike.
For still photography, the lens features built-in Optical IS (image stabilisation), which reduces blurring and offers up to 5.5 stops of stabilisation. When paired with cameras equipped with in-body stabilisation, such as the EOS R6 Mark II, this increases to 8 stops in the centre and up to 7.5 stops in the corners. These features make handheld shooting effortless and ensure sharp, blur-free images even in challenging conditions.
For videographers, the RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM works seamlessly with Movie Digital IS on compatible cameras, enhancing stabilisation for smoother footage when recording on the move.
Advanced autofocus and durability
The RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM’s lead-screw STM motor delivers fast, precise, and quiet autofocusing, enabling accurate stills and smooth focus transitions for video recording. It also supports focus breathing correction on compatible cameras, ensuring consistency during video shoots by correcting fluctuations in the angle of view caused by focus adjustments.
The lens is built to withstand the elements, featuring dust and drip resistance akin to Canon’s professional-grade L-series lenses. A weather-sealed ring and durable mount joints offer added protection, making the lens suitable for outdoor shooting.
Optically, the RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM delivers exceptional image quality comparable to professional-grade lenses. With its advanced manufacturing process, the lens incorporates a larger replica aspherical lens as its front element, effectively reducing aberrations and enhancing overall performance.
Canon’s latest addition to its RF lens lineup offers creators a blend of affordability, versatility, and premium quality, positioning the RF16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM as an excellent choice for both photography enthusiasts and videographers.
