RF 16mm f/2.8 STMvs RF 28mm f/2.8 STM

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (2022) Starting from £269 new Best for Vlogging, travel & architecture View RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
VS
Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM (2023) Starting from £299 new Best for Travel, street & lightweight everyday carry View RF 28mm f/2.8 STM

GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?

Vlogging, Travel & Architecture — RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (2022): The most accessible entry point into ultra-wide RF glass — compact, affordable, and surprisingly capable for content creators.

Travel, Street & Lightweight Everyday Carry — RF 28mm f/2.8 STM (2023): The most compact RF prime — at 85g it turns any EOS R into a true everyday pocket camera.

↓ Full specifications below

Quick take: The rf 16mm f/2.8 stm is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (2022)RF 28mm f/2.8 STM (2023)
Price £269 £299
Sensor f/2.8 (max aperture) Canon RF mount (full-frame)
Video 13cm minimum focus distance N/A — lens
Autofocus STM stepping motor — smooth and quiet for video AF STM — quiet, suitable for video
Stabilisation None (relies on body digital IS or IBIS) None
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 165g 85g
Dimensions 69.2mm diameter × 40.0mm length 69.2mm diameter × 24.7mm length
Weather Sealed No No
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Canon RF 55mm filter thread
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A
Genre RF 16mm f/2.8 STMRF 28mm f/2.8 STM
Vlogging & Video
9.0
7.0
Architecture
7.0
Travel
7.0
9.0
Street
9.0
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