Photo: Henry Söderlund (CC BY 2.0)
RF 16mm F2.8 STM
- 16mm
- f/2.8
- Prime
- 165 g
- Min focus 0.13 m
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Quick answer
A very small wide-angle prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras. It relies on in-camera correction for distortion.
Pros
- Very compact and light (165 g)
- Wide 16mm view
- STM focusing
- Close focus 0.13 m
Cons
- Relies on software correction
- No image stabilization
- f/2.8 limits low light
Verdict
A light wide prime for RF owners. Stabilization comes from the camera body if available.
About this lens
This 16mm f/2.8 wide-angle prime lens from Canon fits Canon RF mount cameras, with stepping-motor autofocus. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental shots.
Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon RF
- Focal length
- 16mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2021
- Optical construction
- 9 elements in 7 groups
- Aperture blades
- 7
- Autofocus motor
- STM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.13 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.26x
- Filter thread
- 43 mm
- Weight
- 165 g
- Length
- 40.2 mm
- Diameter
- 69.2 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM?
- Vlogging
- Street and travel
- Landscapes
- Interiors
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 16mm | 96.7° | 107° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 26mm | 70.2° | 80.4° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the RF 16mm F2.8 STM need lens corrections?
Yes. Canon relies on in-camera correction to remove distortion and vignetting.
Does the RF 16mm F2.8 STM have image stabilization?
No. Cameras with in-body stabilization, such as the R6 series, can steady it, but bodies without IBIS rely on a faster shutter speed.
Is the RF 16mm F2.8 STM good for vlogging?
Yes. The wide view and light weight suit handheld vlogging, and cameras with in-body stabilization can steady the footage.
Alternatives for Canon RF from other brands
All Canon RF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
