Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 Review + Photo/Video Examples

[@kingzamz]

man, i love your set-up, lighting, color grade, everything. This is a GOLD STANDARD KZbinr review set-up!

[@RicCederholm]

Adobe Lightroom updated to now include the RF 16mm f2.8 lens correction profile

[@frankluo230]

Hi Todd, quality review as always. I have used mine for a couple of weeks now. I quite like it. Never before seen a first party manufacturer had a ultra wide angle F2.8 prime so cheap, so small front filter, so lightweight. I think Canon explored new possibilities in lens design more than any other FF rivals.

[@RoyOlsen]

You can also do focus override with the focus/control ring, while half pressing the shutter button.

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

I upgrade from Canon crop sensor to Canon full frame mirrorless recently. Yesterday I swapped my ef 24mm pancake for the rf 16mm plus NZD$100 and I’m happy. Now to sell my redundant ef Tokina 11-16 that only works on full frame at 16mm. As a hiking & camping KZbinr, weight and size is priority.

[@Guidrysphotography]

To use the ring as manual focus while in auto focus mode you have to half press the shutter. OR, just use back button focus and hold it down. Then you’re able to adjust the focus manually with the dial.

[@dtyusufceylan]

16mm can be nice for r and rp's cropped 4k :)

[@UrdazFilms]

Thats the test I want to see

[@drowley]

Do you get really slow auto focus with the rp in 4k? It's great in 1080p but 4k auto focus is unusable

[@Aneliuse]

He also said that vlogging is bad with eos R. But surprise surprise. You can get easily get a holder for eos R camera, which has stabilizing features

[@carlover1799]

This was the most helpful video regarding this lens. Thank you!

[@benjhaisch]

Just bought/reviewed this as well and was happy with the results for the price as I don’t have any of the more expensive ultra wide L glass

[@dominey]

Great to hear! Thanks for commenting.

[@BrianKSmith-ds2sh]

I got this lens last week. I was a little shocked with the RAW files. Using Canon's DPP makes a big difference! For travel and those times that a very small lens is an advantage - I will probably keep it.

[@Nathan.1882]

Definitely a keeper.

[@alexchu414]

Hi do you think it can replace EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM? I have sold my 5DVI and planning to get R6, don’t know if I should keep my EF16-35mm 2.8L lenses or shall I sell it too and move on to this compact one. This small one is absolutely an advantage for travelling and vlogging. But is the image quality significantly worse?

[@Daniel-Condurachi]

The quality it's so much worse on the edges especially because you need to compensate for the optical issues. So those pixels on the edges get stretched. If i would be you i wood use my ef 16-35 2.8 III lens for photography. Because this issue with the RF 16 no matter how much you step down the appetite, you will never get details anywhere expect the middle of the frame. This RF 28 is for video blogging and for newcomers or people that do not use it professionally, so they don't care if anything else than the middle of the frame.

[@preven2296]

I just picked one up mainly as an entry point for astrophotography. I borrowed one for a shoot and liked it. For price it will be a good training lens. And after your (always honest and unbiased) review I look forward to using it in a variety of settings.

[@vinvanid]

As a non-english speaking people, i can understand clearly what you were saying in english, so clear and nice.. And nice review too ! Subscsribed !

[@nordic5490]

I used this all night last Frid at an outfoor night event. Works perfect as a selfie lens in low light. My R5 found and focussed on mine or my friends eye instantly. Works great. Perfect nightime selfie lens.

[@joenicklo]

I absolutely love the concept of the control ring. I like that it gives what would otherwise be a useless ring (when in AF) a purpose. I just ordered the 50mm version of this little guy for my R5 (which I also just got). Excited to try it out.

[@Nathan.1882]

It might not be an amazing lens but its one that can enable your entire setup to not break your back and wallet. Definitely a great lens for most of us. What u can actually carry around is better than the best that is sitting on your cupboard.

[@TylerMayMedia]

I think it would be of great benefit to me and other viewers if you included at least some brief comparisons to other lenses at the same focal length. Like I would really be interested in seeing how this stacks up compared to a 16-35mm L series lens that a lot of people use. Great review though!

[@khurram_lp]

Great prediction there towards the end...Canons R10 just released which takes advantage of that APS-C and 16mm lens combo

[@vinvanid]

R10 is not ideal, but the R7 as he predicted an aspc with ibis

[@KeepCalmEden]

I’ve heard that they fixed the IS wobble in canons update btw! Not 100% sure but I’m going to try it later tonight.

[@tblv9300]

had to cover the construction of a huge tradeshow booth for a client. This lens on a gimbal is perfect for that.

[@mirrorlessmemory]

I watched another video with the R using digital IS with this lens. Looked great. The wobble i imagine is with canons new IBIS system.

[@preven2296]

I just picked this up for my canon R6 mk2. I really appreciate your review, as always. It was very honest and unbiased. I’ll be primarily using my lens for Astro photography. I am brand new with it and after one class borrowing this lens I think it’s a good entry point for me. Plus, after your review I realize there are other applications that I can, enjoy it for. Thanks!

[@dantecooper4705]

I have the EOS R I love this little guy!!!! Have used it in crop mode? It’s nice there also!!!! Overall happy with the lens

[@fotonocity3887]

Daemon Targaryen detected! lol on the other note, great review, thanks!

[@akaimagez]

I bought one today for travelling light. Haven't tested it yet, just peek previews through the viewfinder. It sure is wide.

[@alangilbertson8239]

Thanks for the review, I was seriously considering this lens, but my heart sinks when I hear the words 'for the price'. I've paid for an R5, but I don't want the expense of the 15-35 for the odd occasion when I'm taking star shots. I've got coverage from my EF lenses from 24mm plus. I'm prepared to pay for a 16 mil prime that gives me good coverage corner to corner, but with image quality like this at the edges I won't be buying..

[@jerryb.7021]

$199 right now on BH. 7/1/24. Not sure for how long.

[@etherealcollective9989]

Still going!

[@Hangiinjohnny]

Borrowed this lens over the past week and honestly it’s got a lot of bang for the buck. It’s not something I’d use all the time but I was happy with the results I got so I will be buying it for those times I wanna be creative with a wide lens.

[@JohnCocozza]

I bought the GoPro Hero 9 for all my vlogging. Works great outdoors in bright light. Picture is crisp and IS is incredible. Only issue you get into with the GoPro Hero 9 is in low light scenarios. The image starts getting very grainy looking, people look very clay like. I currently am waiting for this Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 which I had bought on Pre-Order for my new R5 body. Unfortunately my delivery date isn't until early December. Thank you Todd for doing this video, as I am hoping to use this lens for real estate photo / video and now I know what to expect.

[@raneanubis]

The R5 is almost flawless in my opinion! don't buy into the overheating nonsense, you'll almost definitely never need 8K!

[@Toneeeeee23]

How are you liking the lens compared to the hero?

[@JohnCocozza]

@@Toneeeeee23 havent used it for vlogging. Used it for NYE event photos and got some great ball drop crowd shots off the stage. And used it for some landscape photos. Also used it for some hotel room interior video. Liking the lens overall so far.

[@engenhariabrasil1883]

Very good video, just what I was looking for, about image quality! Could you please compare landscape and outdoor images from this lens with Canon RF 14-35mm at 16mm?

[@thomm.834]

Nice review! Im looking for a wide lens for video with eos R to use with the 4k crop. So actually 25-30mm focal length. I use a gimbal so IS is not a problem. You think this lens would be a good choice or maybe a used 16-35 L f2.8?

[@MIRAJADESIGN]

I was thinking about picking this lens up to pair with an EOS and a DJI Ronin gimble.

[@fabianromerorcc]

Loved your style and how you convey ideas! Thanks for the review, very useful for me looking for lenses for recording KZbin videos in the Canon EOS R8. I was considering this lens but maybe the 50mm is better.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

Excellent and handy review- thanks again Todd.

[@RudyRisingWt]

R7 announced, "long game" played! Nice video mate!

[@babymixswing2269]

If ESI is turned on, electronically enhanced image stabilization. So, it's 20mm, which is pretty good. And warping is not visible either. What do you think?

[@nativesugarshack9328]

For vlog I think the EF-S 10-18mm in crop mode is way better & I wish canon would give us a way to put ND behind the RF lens. I use EF & EF-S because I shoot video under very bright LED grow lights & I need the drop in ND filters behind the lens.

[@HikingWithMartin]

The 16mm is fine for vlogging on the eos r it’s the ibis warping making it look bad. At 16mm with standard digital stab it’s fine and while it shakes it looks natural at least

[@SoleFocus]

That’s what I’ve heard and seen reviews on. It’s the R5 and R6 with IBIS that this lens doesn’t work well with that you would want EOS R and RP with digital IS standard and it’s no different that an EFS 10-18

[@tinysteelorchestra]

I picked up this lens as an online return for $250 equivalent the other day. I can see the shortcomings, you have to watch the corners. It's definitely easier now there's a profile for it in Lightroom. But so far I think it's pretty good for the price, and so much lighter going out with this and the RF 50 1.8.

[@Abdi_Mohamed_]

Not a bad price point at all! was torn between this or the old Canon EF 17-40 F4 L Lens for vlogging since its the same price point. I decided to go for the 17-40 since the extra reach would be more usable over a fixed focal distance.

[@MindYaBizz_Whiz]

You lose out on the native mount, and the 2.8, but the 17-40 isn’t a bad lens at all.

[@estebanrestrepo9256]

Hi Todd. I just got this lens and it's been a bit disappointing because of the heavy vignetting. I'm using an EOS R paired with it but the camera doesn't allow the vignetting correction when shooting C-log. Does the R6 allow for the vignetting correction to be applied while recording in Clog-3? or did you correct it in post? Thanks!

[@HarryYTM]

Street photographer would love this lens.

[@marko.dordevic]

Thanks for honest review (not used to it with other “non-sponsored” “reviews “! Helped a lot! Great video!

[@PinchesLowriders]

I want it for an RP on a Ronin to video car shows

[@tonymckeage1028]

Thanks Todd, as always your review is on point and to the point! I bought the 16 mm recently for use with my Canon R5 C camera! The first purchase was the RF 24-240 mm zoom which i love! I have heard a number of reviews that bag the 16 mm for it's obvious faults! I tend to use the 16 mm for event photography where I use the canon for stills and a GoPro hero 11 Black for video! it seems to be a great combination, the only feedback being to keep my hands out of the Video! I love the GoPro Hero 11 and the 16 mm works well in events for great stills, thanks for your review and feedback

[@angelicaamora11]

I thought canon's new software update fixes the ibis warpage? I think i watched some other creators showed it's fixed

[@darraghkane18]

I got this to use with my EOSR 4K on a gimbal. It arrives on Monday. Can’t wait to try it out. Can’t go wrong with the price and if it works I get to use my R again.

[@acceleratedvideoproduction]

Hiw did it do?

[@spaceballs07]

What lens are you using to film these videos? Looks great!

[@bilfoto]

In your opinion, which is the better variant, RF 16mm 2.8 or Tokina 16-28 AT-X PRO f2.8 or canon 17-40 f4 L?

[@sholaallen4873]

Awesome review! Question, does the lens allow manual override if you have it set to Focus, hold down the AF button (back button focus) and turn the ring? This is when you are still in Single shot mode. Just curious if that is an actual thing ☺️

[@cheungching9430]

I have got this one, thats very good review! Just a question, I am thinking investing a 14~35mm, do you think I should sell the 16mm one or keep it as whatever it is..? Thanks!

[@dominey]

It kind of depends on how you intend to use the lenses, but if I had to choose between the 14-35mm and the 16mm, I'd pick the 14-35mm. It has a variable focal length with a lot of range and creative control (everything from ultra-wide to wide to standard) and the optics are better. It is an f/4 lens though, so if shooting in low light is important to you, f/4 won't perform as well.

[@wild-eyes-channel]

Really like your content, you obviously know so much about cameras!

[@wild-eyes-channel]

Would you have a suggestion for an alternative? I am afraid I will run into this stabilization issue with my R6 but really looking to invest in a good wide angle lens. Thank you in advance!

[@deluxemediafilms]

I just want to say that I love the grading of your video! 👌

[@baba-ganoush]

you called it with them playing the long game. I recently purchased the eos r50 as my first camera (850 with kit lens) i originally bought th 50mm as I want it for shoot head content creation similar to how you shot this video however that was a bad idea so I recently just bought the 16mm its on route......good idea?

[@curlsbynat9763]

Hi Todd, love the video I have a question the ND filter that you used for the video. What is the name of the company that makes the 43mm?

[@ericgrayphoto]

Think it would work well on a gimbal for real estate videos?

[@deemas3.711]

Hi todd..do you recommend this lens for landscape photography?

[@razorimagephoto4435]

Because the focal length is so wide, micro jitters are not as pronounced. So in body image stabilization is best turned off, to avoid jittery corners. You are better off stabilizing the video in post production. That’s the video fix

[@peterblyth5500]

An informative and thoughtful review; thank you. Subscribed.

[@pnwtim503]

Thoughtful review. Thank you for your testing and input!

[@paparazzininja7897]

Seems almost everyone updated the lens profile for this lens. First Canon DPP, then Lensfun, DxO and at last Adobe. Capture One, is there a profile for this lens yet?

[@RealityReimagined]

Thank you SO MUCH this review! I just switched from the EOS R to the R5 and was so close to buying this lens to add to the kit for film work. However that rolling shutter is just a touch too much. Will wait for an RF prime with stabilization. Subscribed - great content and thank you again!!

[@LongNguyentech]

Hi. Just wondering what ND filter you use for RF 16mm f2.8. Thanks.

[@wesleychapman9001]

Excellent review. Best by far.

[@jravell]

09:50 Would a gimbal be of assistance here?

[@creightonholub]

I've never thought the differences between consumer and L-grade lens to be THIS wide of a gamut. Those differences are there, but holy lens hoods, Batman!

[@SushantandAanchal]

I think it could work well with Real estate photos and videos, making interiors look bigger. What do you think?

[@okaro6595]

The ring should work in AF mode if the shutter is half pressed.

[@aymanhussain4362]

Can i use it for architecture photography or need expensive lens?

[@alexchu414]

Hi do you think it can replace EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM? I have sold my 5DVI and planning to get R6, don’t know if I should keep my EF16-35mm 2.8L lenses or shall I sell it too and move on to this compact one. This small one is absolutely an advantage for travelling and vlogging. But is the image quality significantly worse?

[@theparamountrocket]

Wild Heaven has the best beer! Thanks for the info on the lens.

[@snyders600]

Can you use (1-2) stepup rings for this lens, to get a 77mm nd filter on it? I‘m asking b/c its mounted on the inner element.

[@Moni-qd9no]

Great, honest, informative ! I was looking forward having a light lens for traveling and my 1-2 milky way captures a year. Now, I'm quiet disappointed with the image quality and I will search for another solution ( Samyang ?). In my opinion, it will make no sense to have the great and expensive camera r5 and use this rf 16mm lens. Thank you for this review.

[@dominey]

Glad it helped!

[@Lucidexplore]

Could one use this for real estate photography?

[@alexsobrino]

Nice review, thank you. I just missed the comparison between stabilization modes while you were walking. But nice work!

[@James-dy6zh]

Have you already done a review on the rf 35mm 1.8?

[@ian2neko]

May I know what's the higher quality lens for landscape and outdoor mentioned in 12:58 ?

[@FatBoyGadgets-1]

with what lens you are shooting this video with? please share

[@djking9828]

Great review, really enjoy your channel. 🙏🍻

[@paullanoue5228]

How many times have you said, “ I wish I brought lens A B or C.” I like these tiny lenses because they can cover a lot of bases and only use a fraction of the space in your bag. This is insurance for dealing with the unexpected and pocket size lenses can go with you anywhere. If one is cognizant of the short comings you can make some acceptable images.

[@lanceregan3400]

Viltrox makes an EF-M to RF adapter, would this lens be good for the canon m50 compared to the Sigma 16 or other wide angle lenses

[@dominey]

I think you’re asking about the EF to RF adapter. AFAIK an adapter to mount RF lenses on EF / EF-M does not exist.

[@lanceregan3400]

@@dominey you're right

[@okaro6595]

There is and never will be any adapters between EF-M and RF. The mounts have so close flange focal distances. Also this lens relies on body correcting the errors and M50 could M50 do it. Also this is not really faster than the kit lens which is wider. So just forget the idea. If you want ultra wide get the 11-22 mm or adapt EF-S 10-18 mm.

[@nobbysphotography5944]

Thanks for the review I was thinking of using it with the Canon R for RE photography but this may be a bad idea, or would it surprise me and do a great job?

[@dominey]

What is “RE”?

[@nobbysphotography5944]

@@dominey Real Estate

[@dominey]

@@nobbysphotography5944 I think the ultra-wide angle 16mm field-of-view would work well for real estate and interiors. You could easily get a whole house or building in an image while standing close.

[@roman9887]

@@dominey Too bad the canon goes against amateurs and forbids the use of cheap lenses 10-18, 18-135 USM for Full HD VIDEO on Canon RP for amateurs is forbidden to use amateur lenses. I'm disappointed.

[@corteydmusic]

Great review!

[@LuisLlanso]

Would the lens work better on a canon EOS R50?

[@youssefhallouly626]

- "You need to turn the Aputure down to F8 at least for the wobble to stop in video mode" can you test that and tell me if it's true? Thanks

[@BleepingWorld]

when a lens has IS is it always on?

[@JSCreative1]

Really enjoy your reviews!

[@game2572]

Nice for group shots.

[@Eiad.Alhamed]

That was very helpful. Thank you!

[@carypierce6783]

Thank you Todd.. Love your work. Do you have any videos or blog posts about your back wall paint color? I am wanting to paint my small white studio room similar to yours and would love any and all feedback. I am a musician/singer/songwriter (jackopierce) and do a lot of streaming and would like to do more content. Thank you so much!

[@dominey]

It’s Black 2132-10 by Sherwin Williams. Thick paint, matte finish. Love it :)

[@carypierce6783]

@@dominey thanks so much. Did you just do the one wall? ceiling? I typically stream with 4 RP’s (2-4 on 2 sliders and one handheld when I hire a shooter) so I am planning on the walls but def curious your thoughts on ceiling and baseboards… thanks so much!

[@billm23456]

It works just fine on my R7, thank you.

[@Promikes]

What about filters on this lens do they get you any vignetting? (I think you use VND it is quite thick) how it is going?

[@dominey]

It’s similar to using circular filters on any ultra-wide lens. Meaning, it’s best to use only a single filter without a step up ring (to keep thickness down), but the latter still isn’t too great an issue because of how aggressively distortion is corrected (which crops out any mechanical vignette that may occur).

[@EnglishwithNatia]

Thank you ! ⭐️

[@WILDANDSTORY]

I’m really enjoying the lens for my needs, a compact lightweight travel video and vlogging lens paired with the RP. Sure, it’s not an L lens quality but it gets the job done at a very affordable price and makes my one bag travel set up a delight to carry. Thanks for the review. I’ve downloaded Canon’s DPP4 software to try out on the raw files. Thanks

[@elhijodelmaizky986]

do you recommend me to buy it I have the rp and use it for hand held video,,I have the 10-18 but doesn't let me do 1080p 🙏

[@WILDANDSTORY]

@@elhijodelmaizky986 I had the EFS-S 10-18mm for my 200D (SL2) and loved it. I’ve been waiting for a small lightweight wide angle for the RP since day one. I have a few more tests to do this week but I think it’s great for the price and build quality. There is an example of both studio and handheld in my latest video. I’m going to try it out walking handheld and on my crane plus gimbal this week.

[@elhijodelmaizky986]

@@WILDANDSTORY thank you so much I’m learning to use my camera and everybody says 1080p is the best but this lens doesn’t let me do 1080,,just 720 and 4K. But 4K doesn’t looks good thanks for your help

[@WILDANDSTORY]

@@elhijodelmaizky986 Yeah, I had the same problem with the 10-18mm. I’m genuinely excited for the possibilities with this lens for the price.

[@roman9887]

@@elhijodelmaizky986 Yes idiot canon goes against amateurs and forbids the use of cheap lenses 10-18, 18-135 for Full HD VIDEO at Canon RP for amateurs is forbidden to use amateur lenses.

[@BetfairCricketLoad]

By which lense you are recording video

[@wilsonrositaortiz5037]

can i use it on my m6mk2?

[@maxmoviemakers5452]

Bro please sent the filter purchasing link

[@TheDrews87]

What would you choose for landscape photography between the Canon 16mm vs the Sigma 16mm?

[@dominey]

Are you asking about the Sigma 16mm EF-M? If so, this lens (the Canon RF 16mm) is not compatible with EF-M lens mounts.

[@ericfreutel8240]

Great review! Thank you!

[@DonaldHawk]

Debating this vs getting the rf 14-35 on top of my rf 24-70mm f2.8

[@xtaki]

and the canon has released a new firmware to fix the ibis warp. :)