Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM vs Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM
Every published spec side by side, with today's lowest prices for the market you've chosen.
Key differences
- Closest focus: 0.25 m on the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM, against 0.28 m on the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM.
- Max magnification: 0.26× on the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM, against 0.21× on the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM.
- Weight: 445 g on the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM, against 840 g on the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM.
RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM or RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM: which should you buy?
On published specs the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM leads the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM nowhere; buy it for its price, its handling or the lenses you already own.
Choose the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM for its closest focus, max magnification and weight.
On paper the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM wins more rows (3 to 0); if the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM's strengths are the ones you shoot with, and its price is lower where you buy, it can still be the better buy.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price today | $2,078.99 new $1,559.99 used | $979 new $873.95 used |
| Optics | ||
| Focal length | 15–35mm | 16–28mm |
| 35mm equivalent | 15–35mm (full frame) | 16–28mm (full frame) |
| Maximum apertureLower f-number lets in more light. A zoom wins only when it is as bright at both ends. | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| Elements / groups | 16 / 12 | 16 / 13 |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Closest focus | 0.28 m | 0.25 m (best) |
| Max magnification | 0.21× | 0.26× (best) |
| Focus & handling | ||
| Autofocus | Yes (Nano USM) | Yes (STM) |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Internal zoom | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Teleconverter compatible | No | No |
| Size & weight | ||
| Weight | 840 g | 445 g (best) |
| Diameter × length | 88.5 × 126.8 mm | 76.5 × 91 mm |
| Filter thread | 82 mm | 67 mm |
Green marks the better figure where “better” is unambiguous. A dash means the maker doesn't publish it or we haven't verified it yet.