RF 16mm f/2.8 STMvs A7C

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
Sony A7C Sony A7C (2020) Starting from £1299 new Best for Compact travel & content creation View A7C

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.

Compact Travel & Content Creation — A7C (2020): The A7C proves full-frame doesn't have to be bulky. Excellent battery life, reliable Eye AF and a vari-angle screen in a pocketable body is a compelling combination for travel and content creators. The A7C II improved on it, but the original remains a strong value buy.

↓ Full specifications below

A7C (2020)

  • Travel photographers who want full-frame in the smallest possible body
  • Content creators who need a flip screen and reliable Eye AF
  • Photographers upgrading from APS-C who want to keep a compact kit
  • Vloggers who need 4K and great battery life on the road

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)A7C (2020)
Price £269 £1,299
Sensor f/2.8 (max aperture) 24.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS
Resolution 24.2MP
Video 13cm minimum focus distance 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion, S-Log2/S-Log3
Autofocus STM stepping motor — smooth and quiet for video AF Phase-detect, 693 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF
Stabilisation None (relies on body digital IS or IBIS) 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops
Burst Rate N/A 10fps with AF/AE tracking
Battery Life N/A ~740 shots (CIPA) — outstanding for a Sony mirrorless
Weight 165g 509g (body, battery, card)
Dimensions 69.2mm diameter × 40.0mm length 124.0 × 71.1 × 59.7mm
Weather Sealed No No
Viewfinder N/A None built-in — use rear screen or accessory EVF
Screen N/A 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots
Mount Canon RF Sony E-mount
Memory Cards N/A Single SD UHS-II
Connectivity N/A USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
Genre RF 16mm f/2.8 STMA7C
Vlogging & Video
9.0
Architecture
7.0
Travel
7.0
9.0
Video
9.0
Portrait
9.0
Street
9.0
Wildlife
7.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side RF 16mm f/2.8 STM prices → A7C prices →

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