Canon Video 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS Lens
The Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS is a 5.5–88mm f/1.6 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon Video 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS Lens
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Lens Overview — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
Key Features — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
16x Zoom Range: 5.5mm to 88mm focal length coverage handles wide environmental shots through medium telephoto in a single lens.
f/1.6 Maximum Aperture: A bright f/1.6 aperture at the wide end allows for effective shooting in low-light environments without requiring additional lighting.
Variable Aperture f/1.6–2.6: Aperture shifts to f/2.6 at the telephoto end, which is still relatively fast for a zoom of this range.
Built-In Optical Stabilization: Optical image stabilization compensates for camera shake during handheld or shoulder-mounted video work.
Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both autofocus for run-and-gun shooting and manual focus for deliberate, controlled focus pulls in production environments.
Canon EF Mount: Fits Canon EF-mount cameras, providing compatibility with Canon's range of EF-mount cinema and DSLR bodies.
Lens Specifications — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Video / Cinematography, Documentary, Event, Studio |
| Format | Video / Broadcast Format |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 5.5–88mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.6 |
| Camera System | Cinema / Video |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Weight | 1200g |
Description — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
The Canon Video 16x is a zoom lens designed for cinema and video production, built on the Canon EF mount with full frame format coverage. Its focal length spans 5.5mm to 88mm, delivering a versatile 16x zoom range that works across wide environmental shots and tighter telephoto framings within a single lens. The maximum aperture runs from f/1.6 at the wide end to f/2.6 at 88mm, providing solid light collection throughout the zoom range. Optical image stabilization is integrated into the lens, a practical asset for video operators working without a fully stabilized support system.
Focus operation is flexible, with support for both autofocus and manual focus modes. The lens weighs 1200 grams, which is a consideration for extended handheld shoots but reasonable given its zoom range and aperture capabilities. No filter thread size is listed in the specifications.
For Canon EF system video productions that demand a single flexible zoom with optical stabilization and wide aperture performance, this lens addresses those core requirements directly.
Pros — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
- ✓Wide 16x zoom range from 5.5mm to 88mm suits a broad variety of video shooting scenarios
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/1.6 at the wide end allows for shooting in challenging light conditions
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld video capture
Cons — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
- ✗Maximum aperture narrows to f/2.6 at 88mm, so light-gathering ability decreases at the telephoto end
- ✗At 1200g, the lens adds considerable weight to a rig, which may be fatiguing in extended handheld use
- ✗No filter thread size is specified, which may complicate the use of standard screw-on filters
Videos — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
I Bought My Dream Camera…From 27 Years Ago | Canon XL1 — Tom Buck
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 16x 5.5-88mm f/1.6-2.6 IS
What mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount. It is designed for cinema and video camera systems that accept Canon EF mount lenses.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization. This is particularly useful for video production where smooth, stable footage is a priority.
Can I use this lens for autofocus shooting?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus. Operators can switch between the two modes depending on the shooting situation.
What is the zoom range of this lens?+
The lens covers a focal length range of 5.5mm to 88mm, which represents a 16x zoom ratio. It is classified as a standard focal length range lens.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/1.6 at the wide end (5.5mm) and f/2.6 at the telephoto end (88mm). This variable maximum aperture is typical of zoom lenses in this category.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 1200 grams. This is worth factoring in when planning handheld or shoulder-mounted shoots over extended periods.