Canon introduces compact ultra wide-angle zoom
The new RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM comes with image stabilization, weather sealing and STM autofocus.
(Image: Canon)
Canon presents the new RF 16-28 mm F2.8 IS STM, a compact and fast ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. It works on mirrorless full-frame cameras with an RF bayonet. The zoom offers a focal length range of 16 to 28 millimetres with a continuous aperture of f/2.8. An optical image stabilizer is integrated, which is designed to compensate for camera shake by up to 5.5 exposure stops. In combination with the in-camera image stabilization of certain EOS-R models, Canon claims that up to eight exposure stops are possible.
The RF 16-28 mm F2.8 IS STM has a robust construction with weather sealing, which seals the zoom against dust and splash water. A 9-blade iris diaphragm is intended to ensure an almost circular aperture and thus an appealing blur. The optical structure consists of 16 lenses in 13 groups, including six special lenses to counteract image errors.
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With a weight of just 445 grams and a length of 91 millimetres when retracted, the lens is particularly compact and is ideal as a travel companion. Thanks to its focal length and speed, it is particularly useful for landscape photography, architectural shots and indoors. At open aperture, the lens allows cropping and creative play with blur.
(Image:Â Canon)
The autofocus stepper motor is designed to ensure smooth transitions when shifting focus in videos. The focus ring can be configured via the camera and assigned functions such as aperture or exposure compensation.
Affordable alternative to Trinity lenses
According to Canon, the RF 16-28 mm F2.8 IS STM closes the gap in the wide-angle range of the RF lens range with strong performance in a compact and lightweight design. The manufacturer describes it as the ideal complement to the RF 28-70 mm F2.8 IS STM, which Canon introduced in September last year. Like the new wide-angle zoom, the standard zoom scores points for size and weight and is comparatively inexpensive at 1,170 euros. By comparison, the RF 24-70 mm 2.8 L IS USM, one of the so-called trinity zoom lenses with high continuous speed, costs €2,750.
The RF 16-28 mm F2.8 IS STM will be available in stores from mid-February 2025 for 1,300 euros.
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