Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Review

The Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens is shaking up the market with its blend of professional features and consumer-friendly price point. This review dives into what makes this lens tick and why it might be your next go-to piece of glass.

Build Quality and Design

Right off the bat, you’ll notice how compact this lens is. At just 76.5mm in diameter and 92.2mm long when retracted, it’s surprisingly pocket-friendly for a constant f/2.8 zoom. Weighing in at a mere 490g, it’s a featherweight champion in its class.

The build quality is impressive, with weather sealing on par with Canon’s premium L-series lenses. This means you can confidently shoot in less-than-ideal conditions without babying your gear.

The standout design feature is the dual-function control/focus ring. It’s a clever space-saving solution that lets you adjust camera settings or manually focus without cluttering the lens barrel.

Optical Performance

Under the hood, we’ve got 15 elements in 12 groups, including two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and two GMo aspherical elements. This optical recipe delivers sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration, even wide open at f/2.8.

Edge-to-edge sharpness is particularly impressive, often matching or exceeding more expensive L-series lenses. The constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range is a game-changer, especially for low-light shooting and creating that creamy bokeh we all crave.

Autofocus and Stabilisation

Canon’s chosen an STM (Stepping Motor) for autofocus duties. It’s fast and, more importantly, whisper-quiet – a boon for video shooters. In real-world use, it keeps up with fast-moving subjects without breaking a sweat.
The built-in Image Stabilisation is another standout feature, offering up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. Pair this with a camera body featuring IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilisation), and you’re looking at up to 7.5 stops of stabilisation. That’s handhold-at-stupid-slow-shutter-speeds territory.

Video Performance

Videographers, rejoice! This lens has got your back. The aforementioned quiet AF motor is just the start. Focus breathing – that annoying change in focal length when adjusting focus – is minimal, ensuring smooth, professional-looking focus transitions.

The image stabilisation comes into its own for handheld video work, helping to smooth out those micro-jitters that can ruin a shot.

Real-World Usage

In practice, this lens is a joy to use. The versatile 28-70mm focal range covers everything from wide landscapes to flattering portraits. Its light weight means you can shoot all day without feeling like you’ve hit the gym.
The constant f/2.8 aperture opens up creative possibilities in all kinds of lighting conditions. Whether you’re shooting a dimly lit wedding reception or trying to blur out a busy background for a portrait, this lens delivers.

Comparison with the RF 28-70mm F2 L USM

While the Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM shares a focal range with its pricier sibling, the RF 28-70mm F2 L USM, it offers a different set of advantages:

Portability: The F2.8 version is significantly lighter at 490g versus the F2’s 1430g.
Image Stabilisation: Unlike the F2, this lens has built-in IS, offering up to 7.5 stops of correction with IBIS.
Price: It comes in at a much lower price point, making it accessible to more photographers.

While the F2 version does offer that extra stop of light and potentially slightly better image quality, the F2.8 IS STM holds its own with its blend of portability, stabilisation, and value.

Potential Drawbacks

No lens is perfect, and the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM does have a few minor niggles. Some users might miss the extra 4mm on the wide end compared to a 24-70mm. The combined focus/control ring, while clever, can take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to separate rings.

The Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM is a Swiss Army knife of a lens. It delivers professional-level image quality and features in a package that won’t break your back or your bank. Whether you’re a enthusiast looking to step up your game or a pro seeking a lightweight alternative to your bulky 24-70mm f/2.8, this lens deserves a serious look. It’s not just a jack of all trades – it’s mastered quite a few of them too.