Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
Canon Canon RF Mount

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

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

16mm f/2.8

Focal Length
16mm
Max Aperture
f/2.8
Weight
165g

Full Specifications

Focal Length 16mm
Maximum Aperture f/2.8
Lens Mount Canon RF
Optical Stabilization No
Autofocus Motor STM
Minimum Focus Distance 0.13m
Weight 165g
Dimensions 69.2 x 40.1 mm
Weather Sealed No
Diaphragm Blades 7 blades

What Users Think

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for travel and casual photography.
  • Affordable price point, typically around $200, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Decent performance for landscapes, especially with digital lens corrections in post-processing.
  • Good for astrophotography, providing a wide field of view and acceptable performance in low light.
  • Short minimum focus distance allows for creative close-up shots and environmental portraits.

Cons

  • Notably weaker corner sharpness and optical aberrations, particularly coma in astrophotography.
  • Reliance on digital lens correction to address distortion and vignetting, which can affect image quality.
  • Focus motor is not as fast as USM or L-series lenses, potentially impacting performance in dynamic environments.
  • Quality may not meet expectations for users transitioning from higher-end lenses, leading to some disappointment.

Community Verdict

Overall, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM lens is seen as a solid option for casual users and beginners looking for an ultra-wide angle lens at a budget-friendly price. While it has some optical shortcomings, particularly in corner sharpness, it performs well in landscapes and astrophotography with the right corrections.

"{'text': "It's a very capable lens, especially for the price and the size.", 'context': "A user discussing the lens's performance for landscapes and astrophotography."}"

- Reddit user

"{'text': "For an inexpensive little lens, it's a wonder.", 'context': 'A user recommending the lens for travel and casual photography.'}"

- Reddit user

"{'text': 'The 16 has the 1 stop advantage, of course, and is considerably more compact.', 'context': 'A user comparing the RF 16mm to the 16-35mm f/4 L, weighing the benefits of size and speed.'}"

- 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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