Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM vs Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S
Both are Canon RF mount primes for wide-angle and budget — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM | Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16mm | 12mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | APS-C |
| Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
Which should you buy?
- the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S opens wider (f/2) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S (12mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM (16mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
- the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
- the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is first-party (Canon) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S is third-party — usually the value pick
Where to buy
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STMSee price on Amazon
Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-SSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM and the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S?
The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is 16mm f/2.8 prime, full-frame; the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S is 12mm f/2 prime, APS-C. Both fit the Canon RF mount.
Which is better in low light, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM or the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S?
The Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S — its f/2 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/2.8 of the other.
Do the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM and Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Canon RF mount lenses, so they fit Canon EOS R series (full-frame R5/R6/R8) and APS-C (R7/R10/R50). Note the Samyang AF 12mm f/2 RF-S is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
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