Small, lightweight Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM prime

Another example of Canon’s out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to its full-frame mirrorless lens releases, the new RF 16mm F2.8 STM is a unique small, lightweight and affordable wideangle prime. It’s primarily designed for vloggers, who like to be able to take group selfies and videos with the camera held out in front of them at arm’s length. But it could also find favour with stills photographers who’d like a highly portable ultra-wide option for landscape, architecture or interiors, but can live with the fact that it isn’t weather-sealed.

The Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM bears a strong resemblance to its 50mm f/1.8 stablemate

With dimensions of just 40mm in length by 69mm in diameter and coming in at a featherweight 165g, the lens bears a strong resemblance to its Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM stablemate. It employs 43mm filters and can focus as close as 13cm. As on the 50mm f/1.8, a switch on barrel allows the manual focus ring to work as a control dial for changing exposure settings. In terms of pricing, the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM is set to cost £319.99.

Canon has also announced the EOS R3 for professional sports and news photographers, and the affordable RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS STM that’s designed to complement the Canon RF 24-105mm F4.0-7.1 IS STM in photographers kit bags.

Read our Canon EOS R3 Hands-on First Look here.