Canon - RF28-70mm F2 L USM Standard Zoom for EOS R-Series Cameras - Black

The RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM is the best zoom lens hands down. Having double the light gathering capability of the 24-70 f/2.8 is only the beginning of the advantages of this lens. The versatility of a zoom lens with the characteristics of a prime lens at different focal lengths is absolutely delightful. The dynamic range and the sharpness are also unmatched for a zoom lens. Being able to shoot wide open at f/2 aperture and retain incredible sharpness is fantastic. Stopping the aperture down to f/2.8 to f/5.6 will yield just a touch more sharpness, however wide open at f/2 it is still sharper than any other zoom lens in it’s class that I’ve found. Additionally, this lens has given me some of the most pleasing and beautiful sun bursts I’ve experienced from a lens, as well. This also can potentially replace your need for prime lenses, such as the 24mm (almost), 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, and (maybe) 85mm. Unless you are needing a faster lens, such as a 1.2 or 1.4, this lens will cover all those focal lengths. Plus not having to carry any or all of those lenses makes this a savings in weight for carrying around and space in your pack. The obvious downside of the lens is the size and weight. The lens itself is simply big and heavy, but with the potential to lighten your carrying load overall, as outlined above. The weight of the lens is a non-issue for me as I hand-carried my R6 with this lens attached to it all day, walking around and hiking without issue, but it is something that others should take into consideration. It is a big, big lens. Also, the front filter size is 95mm, which means buying UV filters, ND filters, CPL filters are also more expensive. Overall, if you are really in the market for a zoom lens in the range of 24-70 or 28-70, I would give this a serious consideration as you will be getting a phenomenal lens.

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L is the MOST EXPENSIVE lens for the RF system as of February 2021, but it's unlike any other lens out there and I'm loving it on the EOS R5 as a still image photographer (who does a little video on the side). I've been slowly replacing my EF lenses with RF lenses. I started with the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS, then the RF 85mm f/2 IS, then the RF 50mm f/1.8. I will eventually get the Canon "L-series" versions of those lenses, but started with these first because they are the most affordable and a really great value. After saving up for my first "L-series" RF lens I debated between the RF 85mm f/1.2L and this RF 28-70mm f/2L as they're both similar in price. I've been using the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L (version 2) with the EF-RF control-ring lens adapter and really didn't "need" to upgrade in terms of quality and function. But I planned to eventually replace my EF 24-70mm f/2.8L (version 2) with either the RF 28-70mm f/2L or the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS. Because the EOS R5 has IBIS (in-body image stabilization) I didn't mind the lack of Image Stabilization on the RF 28-70mm and the only thing left to consider was the difference between 24mm and 28mm on the wide end. I'll likely get the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L to replace my EF 16-35mm f/2.8L. Because this lens is "almost" the equivalent of carrying f/2 primes, it can "virtually" take the place of my EF 28mm f/1.8, RF 35mm f/1.8, RF 50mm f/1.8, and at 70mm it's close to the RF 85mm f/2. The versatility of this lens is incredible, but it comes at a cost in terms of size, weight, and expense. If you don't mind the size/weight of this lens and can justify its expense then it's absolutely worth purchasing. This lens feels really great when using it and I like how the zoom ring moves slowly and smoothly. There is a zoom-lock but I don't think I'll ever need it because there's not really any lens-creep with this lens. I've attached a picture comparing the size of this lens next to the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L (version 2) with the EF/RF control-ring lens adapter. Possible negatives: If you don't want a heavy lens, then this is not the lens for you. It's a girthy hunk of glass! If you don't want the expense of 95mm filters, this might not be the lens for you.

This lens is incredible!! I cannot say enough good things about the 28-70. I use this lens paired with my Canon R6 for mostly wedding and portrait photography. The auto focus is wicked fast, the photos are always tack sharp, and the bokeh is very beautiful. I’ve always preferred prime lenses. I was unsure if this lens would be good enough to replace the need to carry around multiple prime lenses in my camera bag, but I’m happy to say it did!! This is my go to lens for all my professional client work! I will say I do not recommend this lens for travel because of the size. *The photos I attached are not straight out of camera they have been edited in post