A Review of the Affordable Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Canon's RF lenses have generally been lauded for their impressive image quality and performance (and often, their extreme design), but with all that comes fairly expensive prices. And that is why, at $299, the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM looks like quite an intriguing option, particularly when you consider how portable it is as well. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of experience and image quality you can expect from it in usage. 

Coming to you from DPReview TV, this great video review takes a look at the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM lens. At $299, the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is impressively affordable, and at just 5.8 oz (165 g), it is a great option for anyone who wants a portable lens for a variety of applications. In addition to its price and small form, it comes with a range of useful features, including: 

  • One aspherical element for reduced distortion and increased sharpness 
  • Minimum focusing distance of 5.1 inches (maximum magnification of 0.26x)
  • Super Spectra Coating for fewer flares and reduced ghosting and deeper contrast 
  • STM autofocus motor for smooth and quiet autofocus for both photo and video applications
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • Rounded seven-blade diaphragm for smoother bokeh

Altogether, the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM looks like an impressively decent lens for the price. Check out the video above for the full rundown.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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3 Comments

I returned it after using it once. Mostly because i landed a nice gig that paid for the 15 -35. But as a pro who uses exclusively RF L lenses. The difference was to palpable for my taste.

This is one of the lenses that will get me into the system. If Canon sticks the landing on rehousing the M6II for RF mount, I will buy one instantly and get this lens too, along with an R8 and the 35f1.8. If they do something dumb like add a flip out swivel screen instead of a flip up, or add an EVF that's not detatchable, I'm out.

If anyone wants those features, they can buy literally any other Canon line. Just keep one for us street shooters Canon, please.🤞

Vary good review and a tempting lens if I decide to go FF.
As it is now my 10-18mm EF-S works great on my R7.