RF 16-28 or RF 14-35

[wadinyade]

I just recently got a new camera (R6MKII) for an upgrade and kept my R as a second body and so my newly wedded wife can shoot on that. We currently have an EF 70-200 MKII, RF nifty fifty, and RF 24-105 f4. We are wanting to get new lenses for 2027 and for sure gonna get the 24-70 rf but wanting to get a wide as well. Can’t decide between the 14-35 or the 16-28. Having the 14-35 as an option because it’s an L series and the 16-28 cause it’s only a couple hundred cheaper than the 14-35 and it’s still weather sealed with 2.8 aperture. The intention is some video every now and then, mainly wide photos, and portraits when needed.

[SignifDigits]

IQ comparisons at https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1569&Camera=1508&Sample...

I have the RF 15-35 f/2.8 L USM and love it, but it's not on your list to compare.  Since you have both the 24-105 and 24-70 (assuming so you can both shoot in that range) why not get both so that each of you has a wide angle landscape lens?  (easy for me to say as it's not my money, of course).  Depending upon your situation you could also consider the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM.  I personally find that lens a huge bargain lens and a very lightweight option.  It all depends upon your priorities.  I have the more expensive RF15-35mm as I tend want the best landscape lens and my event photography is either outdoors where I use the 70-200mm or so casual that the RF 24-100mm STM delivers images that family and friends (and myself) are happy with.

I hope you the RF Mark II.  I certainly enjoy mine.

[shadowsports]

Greetings @wadinyade 

I was up last night when you posted and spent some time thinking about your planned use and options.  

Neither of your wide options will be good for individual portraits. You would see facial distortion.  They could be used in a pinch for large group shots but my preference would probably be a 24-70 instead.  I think you get 114° FOV on the 14 mm and 108° on the 16mm.  If you plan to use the lens at night then I would go with the f2.8.  

Both lenses excel for landscape and architecture. You do get a wider field of view with the 14 mm.  The 16 mm will excel for night time cityscapes and astro.  Video performance on both lenses will be comparable unless you're shooting in low light where the f2.8 has the edge.