The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS and the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 113mm. The Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS with a length of 88mm, is 25mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 83mm compared to the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS's 77mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS weighs 390g, which means it is 225g (36%) lighter than the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM which has a weight of 615g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS has a focal range of 15-30mm and
2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
24 - 48mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 25.6 - 56mm.
