Zoom Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM

Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM Lens
Zoom lenses

product details

Latest reviews

Zoom Lens that Renders Like a Prime
Pros
  • Beautiful color rendition
  • Sharp images
  • Versatile
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • Sunstars are gorgeous
  • F2.0 aperture
  • Possibly able to replace Primes in and around the zoom range
Cons
  • Physical size
  • Weight
  • Cost
  • 28mm may not quite be wide enough for some
  • No image stabilization in lens
I've had this lens for three months now and I cannot express enough how happy I am with this lens. This is my workhorse lens and predominantly remains on my R6 only taken off to use my 70-200 when necessary. Color rendition from this lens is truly remarkable. Sharpness is better than any zoom lens I've used, although it won't match the sharpness of a high quality prime lens. The bokeh is quite pleasant, too. Between the colors, bokeh, and sharpness, the character of image that this lens produces really renders like a prime. The sunstars that this lens can produce are beautiful, too.

I will say that 28mm might not be wide enough for some; for my usage, it is quite sufficient, though. My fiance has mentioned that there were occasions she wished it would have been just a bit wider. This is a tradeoff that I am willing to accept to get the f2.0 aperture. Speaking of which, my fiance has now adopted using my system more because she absolutely loves the combination of the R6 and this lens. She's taken use of it on four separate shoots and has been enamored. She has said on multiple occasions that her 5Dmk4 with the 24-70 mk2 just doesn't hold a candle to the images she's getting from my system.

While the size and weight of the lens are a concern that should always be considered for this lens, it has not been problem for me or my fiance. I've used and carried it all day twice and the four shoots she's used it for (2-3 hour sessions), she's not complained about the weight. I do have a Spiderpro hand grip v2 being used with it, so that probably alleviates the strain, too.

As I said initially, I am so very happy with this lens and I will whole-heartedly recommend everyone try this lens to see if it it is a good fit.
Would recommend this product?
Yes
One member found this helpful.
  • Like
Reactions: Tim Mayo and Hali
Favorite Zoom
Pros
  • Sharp. Beautiful Colors. Nice Bokeh. Renders Nicely.
Cons
  • Cost. Weight.
I don't own this lens but did rent it to check it out. That might have been a mistake as I plan on buying it when I can scrap tighter enough funds.
It is heavy and cost an arm and a leg but I actually like heavy gear, guess I'm weird.
Im not great at writing gear reviews so will leave it at that.
Would recommend this product?
Yes

Attachments

  • 0A1A0606.jpg
    0A1A0606.jpg
    499.8 KB · Views: 202
2 members found this helpful.
  • Like
Reactions: Tim Mayo
A great lens
Pros
  • Sharpness
  • Contrast
  • Rendering of colours
  • Sheer wow factor when you view images
  • Balance on camera
  • f2 and still pin sharp
Cons
  • Weight
  • Size
  • Cost
  • No IS if using an R ... no issue if on R5 or R6 due to IBIS.
A lot has been written about this lens. I would tend to agree with all I have read previous now I own one.

I did not go looking for this lens as I owned an RF 24-105 f4 and bought a RF 24-70 f2.8. I was loaned a copy to try, and despite thinking I would find it huge and stupid ... I loved it !

The result was the 24-70 f2.8 has been sold and I bought a copy of the 28-70 f2.

The cost is huge (UK), the weight is huge as is the size.
It focuses quickly but not as quick or silent as the RF 24-70 f2.8.

The image quality is unbelievable ... it exceeds that of the 24-70 and 24-105 which both appear somewhat flat in comparison. It render images in a way that only primes do and is in my view a truly special lens.

I put up with the weight (which I manage ok tbh on a Black Rapid strap slung to carry at my waist from shoulder). I would simply not swap this lens for the world !! I love it.

IMO it does not replace primes (I have the RF 50 and 85 f1.2's) but it comes sufficiently close that I feel I may not use them much. The flexibility it gives as a zoom exceeds the small amount of sharpness I gain with a prime. F2 is more usable than f1.2 ... and this lens is incredibly sharp at f2 ... in fact I rarely use it at anything else ... it gives total confidence .

You need to try one of these to see how the weight feels ... but do make sure you take some images !! I merely tried an ex rental and was sold .... I wish I had tried it before the other lenses I would not have then bought. The balance on the camera is great - I can only think the weight is nearer the camera mount as using it is a breeze given it's weight. It is a truly special lens.
3 members found this helpful.
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Tim Mayo

product information

Category
Canon
Added by
Tim Mayo
Views
3,420
Reviews
6
Last update
Rating
5.00 star(s) 6 ratings

More in Canon

More from Tim Mayo

Share this product

Back
Top