Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Review

When it was first announced, we were surprised by how small and affordable the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM was. Ever since, we've wanted to try one out and we finally had a chance! Canon's RF mount may boast plenty of fancy, expensive optics, but this might be one of the most exciting lenses in the system. 

Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store

0:00 - Intro
0:34 - Sample images
1:06 - Design and functions
1:49 - Close-up performance
2:12 - Flare and sunstars
2:47 - Autofocus
3:14 - Breathing
3:46 - Bokeh
4:53 - LoCA
5:18 - Sharpness
5:45 - Should you buy one?
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[Andi_R.]

Hi guys, thanks for another great review! There is one thing I want to add: If you use the camera in video mode for vlogging, you don`t hear the autofocus motor anymore. The motor then works absolute silently. I use the lens for photo and video on my R10 and I´m very happy with it.

[ChadSchrandt]

Wow, is this the best value Canon lens ever made? Easily best value RF lens. Other than focus breathing, this lens seems to be punching waaay ahead of it's weight class. Not going to lie, I'm really impressed. Great work Canon.

[davidmpoliveira]

I own this lens, I bought it almost a year ago, on a sale, for €220, minus a €30 cashback, so €190. Lovely deal. Since I rarely use a ultra wide, this pairs magnificently with my 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8, on my R6. Of course it doesn't have the same performance as say a RF 15-35 2.8, but neither it has the same price tag. I got it the JJC lens hood, for half the price of the Canon version, and...done! Very nice little lens!

[FabledFew]

I have had one for a month now, and I really do like it. To get ultra-wide at f/2.8 at this price is amazing! Yes, the STM motor is annoying, and the tiny body doesn’t inspire confidence, but the results are what matter in the end, and this does deliver good results without breaking the bank.
PS. You can get the lens hood for the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and put it on this lens, and it won’t vignette. The JJC one doesn’t vignette either.

[kevindiossi]

This lens along with the 35mm have become my gimbal duo for real estate walkthrough videos. The digital corrections are immense on this lens, so I’m surprised it wasn’t mentioned here (maybe I missed it?). So for photography, it can be somewhat underwhelming to bring a RAW file into Lightroom and see a dark, distorted abyss in the corners before it corrections.

At the end of the day, I have all my bases covered with L-series RF glass, but this little guy never leaves the bag as a “just in case” backup for real estate and is always my first choice for gimbal shots - it’s an unreal lens to balance so easily!

[johnwhiteaway]

Bought this lens on day of release and have never regretted my choice. I use it on a RP and it has worked fantastically everytime I have used it as Chris says a no brainer if you want a cheap ultra wide.

[RiccardoGabarriniKazeatari]

I love the noct is still used as a measure unit, even for very light lenses

[gabedamien]

I have this lens and really like it. It gives me a usable ultrawide option in my camera backpack for almost no space or weight. The image quality might not be L level but I've made some beautiful and exciting pictures with it. Having the option always beats not having it.

[DaveDialect]

I LOL'd at the "A Calagary Icon Returns - Pfft, I never left!" 😆😅👌

[Andy_Thomas]

On its own it is a 13mm lens which is optically pretty grim (in terms of barrel distortion and vignetting). The reason it is so good is because of the software corrections.
That said, I have one, and I like it. 🙂

[RyougiVector]

I always admired the specs and price of this lens, glad to see the image quality isn't cheap-looking!

[JohnDrummondPhoto]

I've found this 16mm lens better for photo than video. The focus breathing makes even talking head pieces difficult with eye AF, as even slight movement drastically changes DOF. As the lens isn't stabilized, you rely on IBIS or electronic stabilization and there will be peripheral warping when you walk and talk. But for photography, it's a great architectural and street shooter lens.

[harrisonmudge]

I have this lens, it’s been great for real estate video and photo type work. I do get INSANE jiggle in video with the R6 though so it’s actually better to turn off the IBIS, use a steady hand and stabilise in post if needed.

[LastXwitness]

that lens is a nice little banger. real nice for the price point and one of those lenses you have on you not taking up space but knowing you can handle a wide angle situation. Aside from the focus breathing itd be a nice little gimbal ready lens and id say any kid lookin to shoot BMX or skate its a great lens to pick up for a low cost kit

[realestateimage]

I use this little guy for real estate stills and video, especially when I am getting so much unwanted lens flare with the Sigma 12-24 ART when shooting images of the front of a house. Excellent for landscapes!

[Herkulez]

This lens with a Canon r8 what a great combo if you want a ”cheap” and light fullframe combo för landscape, architecture etc

[loldart]

effetely a nice pairing with a 24-70mm f2.8 if you wanted that wider field of view as you travel with the 24-70mm f2.8.

[Ildskalli]

I love how you guys have kept the Noct as a unit!

[tomariko]

It is actually a good lens paired it with a 50 1.8 and you can almost do everything

[billx]

Downloaded the raw files and used DPP, the results are amazing!