Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM
Canon Canon RF Mount

Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM

By Camera Reviews Editorial Team ยท Last updated February 18, 2026

16-28mm f/2.8 · Image Stabilized

Focal Length
16-28mm
Max Aperture
f/2.8
Weight
445g

Full Specifications

Focal Length 16-28mm
Maximum Aperture f/2.8
Lens Mount Canon RF
Optical Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Motor STM
Weight 445g
Dimensions 76.5 x 91 mm
Diaphragm Blades 9 blades

What Users Think

Pros

  • This lens is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel and street photography.
  • Great image quality, often noted as being sharp across various focal lengths.
  • Fast aperture of f/2.8 is beneficial for low-light situations.
  • Good edge-to-edge sharpness, especially at 16mm.
  • Weather-sealed design is appreciated for outdoor shooting conditions.

Cons

  • The corners may exhibit distortion and coma, especially when shooting astrophotography.
  • Lacks USM autofocus, which may be slower compared to L-series lenses.
  • The limited focal range of 16-28mm may not be suitable as a single solution for all shooting styles.
  • Some users report that it is not as good as the 16mm prime for astrophotography.

Community Verdict

Overall, the community expresses a positive sentiment towards the Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM. It is praised for its lightweight design and sharp images, making it a great choice for travel and outdoor photography. However, some concerns regarding corner performance exist, particularly for a specialized use like astrophotography, leading some users to prefer alternatives.

"{'text': "I absolutely love my 28-70. It's an incredible lens! Sharp, fast AF, and lightweight for travel.", 'context': 'Comment from a user discussing the 28-70mm pairing with the RF 16-28mm'}"

- Reddit user

"{'text': 'The 16-28 is solid but honestly the 16mm prime still edges it out in sharpness and distortion control.', 'context': 'User comparing the 16-28mm zoom to the 16mm prime for astrophotography'}"

- Reddit user

"{'text': "I've been playing around with lighter weight combos... the RF 16-28 fits perfectly into my workflow.", 'context': 'Comment discussing the usability of the lens in a travel photography context'}"

- Reddit user

Want the Full Story?

Read our comprehensive review covering optical quality, sharpness, bokeh, autofocus performance, build quality, and more.

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Pairs Well With

Camera bodies compatible with the Canon RF mount

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