Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM vs Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is 16mm, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is 28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for wide-angle, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM for standard.
Choose the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 120g (4.2 oz) it's lighter than the 165g (5.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is 16mm, Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is 28mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM or the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is 16mm, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is 28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM for wide-angle, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM for standard.
Who should choose the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM?
Choose the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM?
Choose the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM if you need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 120g (4.2 oz) it's lighter than the 165g (5.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM and the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM?
Focal range: Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is 16mm, Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is 28mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16mm | 28mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 107° | 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 13 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x | 0.26x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 43mm | 43mm |
| Diameter | 69.2mm | 69.2mm |
| Length | 36.4mm | 24.7mm |
| Weight | 165g (5.8 oz) | 120g (4.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
