This past weekend I was lucky enough to have a 4 days off thanks to the bank holiday.
The weather was clear and I couldn’t resist going out to shoot so I headed to Circular Quay. I decided I was going to use the RF 16mm f/2.8 since it’s one of my least used lenses and deserves some attention.
Before this lens was announced/released it was always a dream focal length for me. In my mind I had always hoped for something fairly small but I also didn’t want to compromise on IQ.
My dilemma is if I am happy enough with the IQ of this small prime or if I’d like something different. Looking at the images taken with it the sharpness is decent but after owning some of the best UWA zooms, this lens leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to corner sharpness.
My main two options would be the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS or the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS. When I previously owned both the EF and FE 16-35mm zooms they were used like general purpose walk around lenses when I travel.
The 14-35mm would be fine in that regard wheras the slow variable aperture on the 15-30mm is a lot less ideal. On my recent vacation to Bali I used a 35mm equivalent prime 90% of the time and there is only one real situation I would have really benefited from something wider. Because of this owning something cheaper makes sense as it’s not being used as much.
There’s also the temptation of Sony. Although I personally prefer Canon bodies now, it’s undeniable that Sony have some of the best lens options for both first and third party brands. I always say a camera system is all about the lenses and I personally believe Canon and Sony are neck and neck in this regard.
Canon lenses do have a nicer rendering (very subjective) but I like the silent AF motors and size/weight of Sony FE mount lenses better. If I had a Sony body I’d be considering the 20mm f/1.8g, the new 16-35mm f/4 PZ or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 which are all cheaper than Canon RF 14-35mm.
Luckily I’m broke right now so any G.A.S I do have is easily kept under control. In the mean time I’ll likely keep using the RF 16mm to see if it will stay or be replaced.
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