Canon RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM Review - Better Than An L Lens? Standard Zoom Shootout (RAW Files)

[@evertonwood3310]

I refresh KZbin and Reddit everyday just to see if anyone has this lens. The reviews just aren’t there. Thank you so much!

[@JamesReader]

Really hope it helps!

[@tom_k_d]

@@JamesReader Thanks a lot, it does. Good to see Canon finally acknowledges the need for some weather proofing on those mid tier lenses.

[@HubertMultana]

@evertonwood3310 I also did one! ;) got it for 2 weeks now.

[@bryanbernart]

This is easily the best and most comprehensive review of this lens that anyone has published on KZbin, including the bigger and older photography channels. Thanks very much.

[@JamesReader]

I really appreciate that Bryan, thank you!

[@Mister.Hackman]

I’ve been searching credible reviews daily and have found ANY reviews outside of one. I literally searched hours before you posted and nothing new. Then I opened KZbin and it was right there at the top of my algorithm like a gift. I’ve watched like 4 times. Thank you!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@RVarrun]

Excellent comparison. Fantastic work. You compared this with even the primes. Simply superb

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@aadhithyaselvakumar]

This is a wonderful review! Love how you compared it to so many different lenses and even included the part on the number of steps needed to compensate for the 28mm v 24mm ! Love your videos ❤

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!!

[@lisawilliams1750]

Finally a great review on the new RF 28-70 2.8 STM. Thanks James, I've been considering this lens and needed an honest review.

[@gospelblueproductions]

I've been waiting so long for a good review on this! Thank you!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@todanrg3]

Some of the best reviews on KZbin.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@craigcarlson4022]

James, Really well done, thorough and methodical review. I’ve owned three copies of the rf24-105 f4 over the years and just never grew to like it. Am so encouraged by your review and will likely pick this new 28-70 f2.8 up. Cheers

[@JustinPeterAustralia]

Great review!!! Just bought one and i sold my 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8 and EF to RF adaptor and EF 24-70 f2.8 for 2200$ Australian and bought this lens for $1550 brand new after comparing all these lenses side by side and pixel peeping!!! Best buy ever...Better bokeh than 50mm and 35 mm.....In love with this lens...Thanks James for helping make this decision

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching Justin! Glad you're enjoying the lens

[@mishaesev7374]

> Better bokeh than 50mm and 35 mm How is it better?

[@JustinPeterAustralia]

@@mishaesev7374Yes it is . This lens has amazing bokeh. I compared my 50 and 35 and this was blurring the background more than the other two mainly due to the possibility of zooming into 70mm as well. Also this lens has IS which made my decision easy.

[@JustinPeterAustralia]

Also this lens can focus in less than 5 cm from the front element. So going close to the subject is possible when compared to a 50mm

[@emishas]

@@JustinPeterAustralia I got 28-70mm.. And now I’ve been wondering if rf35mm would perform considerably better indoors being brighter and also provide better separation/bokeh at 35mm.. It’s hard to justify it if it’s only marginally better for it’s price On the other hand, rf50 is so light (and cheap) that I feel like it’s just so easy and fun vs handling a 500g zoom lens that I might still just get one.

[@808islandlife_HI]

Great job! What an extensive comparison!!!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@808islandlife_HI]

@@JamesReadermy pleasure

[@salipander6570]

You and Christopher Frost are the best reviewers!

[@JamesReader]

That's awesome, thank you!

[@Lackmind]

The kind of review we'd been waiting for since the lens was released. Brilliant work!

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much!

[@Ramentop88]

I was just waiting for this review! Thanks

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@timomomomo969]

Comparison reviews are much more meaningful but require more work on your part. Thanks for this thorough comparison! Liked and subscribed.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@bradfansomephieterson5786]

Last night i was looked for this lens review on KZbin but didn't find yours, then today u posted it 🥳 U are the bestt 🔥🔥

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@omerbinyounos]

Excellent comparison, best so far on KZbin

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much!

[@shawnlabranche6852]

Wow, thank you for your review!!! I knew I could count on you for this great review. I am really surprised on the new lens performance. I didn't think it would outperform the 24-105 like this. I did trade my 24-105 for the 28-70 2.8. The vignette don't really bother me since I'm always editing my files anyways. I prefer the 2.8 over the 4.0 for video and the weight for gimbal is awesome. As always great video.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for watching! It’s possible I had a weak copy of the 24-105 here as in the past I have found it to perform a bit better centrally at least. I’m still confident that this new lens at least matches its performance though considering how well it performs against all the other lenses. Canon did a great job with this release!

[@jb-el6xs]

Wow I didn’t even realize they released this! Awesome!!

[@lelaam7]

I was waiting for someone to review this lens. Thank you! 😊

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnnynd812]

THIS is exactly the kind of review I was looking for. Thank you so much.

[@JamesReader]

Thanks Johnny!

[@cinevit-sf]

Used it during my 3 week vacation. It was expensive but I'm glad I got it. It's a great lens paired with R8 for photo and video. Basically never took it off my camera.

[@JamesReader]

That’s awesome! I bet it pairs so well with the R8

[@cinevit-sf]

​@@JamesReader Yep, very nice and light combo. And it has IS - so it helps R8. Even handheld videos came out pretty well.

[@cas818028]

Damn you guys! Now I got to sell my tamron g2 24-70 to get this

[@Frank-Silverado]

I just bought the 28-70 STM for a trip to Alaska for both video & photos. It worked really well. I own the L 24-70 USM but its big & heavy for travel when youre shooting all day.

[@JamesReader]

Glad it worked well! I’m tempted to keep it for travel alone. Seems hard to beat for that

[@acemwon]

How does this lens compare to the RF85mm 2.0 prime when it comes to portraits and sharpness?

[@juhaaavalaakso455]

I bought that lens for My R8 and IT repleased everything except 100-400 IS STM. Just love it small and lightweight and dead silent lens. Dont need anything else.

[@JustinPeterAustralia]

me too sold 3 lenses

[@fun4sure2]

Hello James I don't understand one thing: how is it possible to take a photo with an f/2.8 aperture using a lens with an f/4 aperture? 7:08minutes

[@JamesReader]

Whoops! That should be F4 - and the 28-70 F2 should be labelled "F2". Well spotted!

[@auroralightstudio]

28-70mm rf 2.8 is very underated lens, thank you for make this video

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree! Thank you for watching

[@yellowbearworks2535]

This review covers exactly and in its entirety I was looking for. Thank you!

[@JamesReader]

Awesome! Thank you for watching

[@btecww]

Great comparison. These Canon mid priced lenses are important for the working photographer. Performance and price is critical for my work. I am event shooter. I work in crowded environments. Recently someone knock over my tripod and crushed my 70-200mm L lens. That was a $2700 loss for me. This is so needed out in the field. For years I used Sigma lenses the were reasonably priced and lower risk in the field. I am always on edge when using my 28-70 f2 and my 86 1.2 both $3000 lenses in the field. Studio work is different. Info rarely get to work in a controlled environment.

[@JamesReader]

Sorry to hear about your 70-200! That's a nightmare! I hope we see something like a lower priced, STM motor 70-180mm soon.

[@samlustig5405]

dude get some insurance. Easy solution to your issue.

[@creatorinsivible3]

Excellent presentation, for us in Brazil we seek value for money, you were very clear about the quality of this lens

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@EliMandarin]

Wow！Another excellent comparison! I love it and thank you so much for your hard work, James!

[@chrisc.9926]

Been waiting specifically for your review on this lens for a couple of weeks now!! Glad to see it and hyped to get this lens. Thank you for making the video!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@Dat876Bredda]

For portraits would you think it wise to replace the RF 50 1.8 and 35 1.8 with this lens? And how do you think it compares with the rf85 f2? though focal length difference is apparent

[@lamddd]

Christmas came early!!! This is exactly the type of comparison and analysis I was waiting so long for! Thank you so much! This has definitely influenced my decision to get one! The size and weight is perfect for me. i can’t wait to see how it performs in the dessert and a follow up travel video!

[@JamesReader]

Awesome! Thank you for watching. Really glad the video helped.

[@lamddd]

@ even after a few months, there just isn’t anyone doing the comparison that was done here! i’ve been dying to see a head to head with the 24-105. the other two was such a nice bonus. thank you!

[@kevind6006]

Thanks James for yet again one of the best reviews and comparisons available on the whole internet. I much appreciate the efforts you're seeing to give us comprehensive comparisons and your insights. It's a lot of work you're putting together but it's really worth it! One thing I would have loved to hear is your view on which is best bang for the buck - I understood the new kid in the block caught your attention if you even consider selling the 24-70mm. Keep them great videos coming! :)

[@spinnetti]

They all look great honestly. That said, no regrets getting the 28-70F2; I love the look it gives.

[@JamesReader]

The 28-70 is a special lens, probably the best rendering on a zoom lens in my opinion (on RF mount anyway)

[@lamiabenaouali7826]

Waaaw I'm only at 7mn of the video but I must say, I love the comprehensive benchmark across all parameters over the 4 lenses. Thank you for the effort !

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@siddharthdutta1531]

This has been the best review of this lens so far! Great comparison.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@MadeForSocialMedia]

Great video man, super insightful - perfect buyers guide

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@DanYosua]

Excellent effort in making this monster comparison. Looks really solid for 28mm-friendly travelers or everyday shooters. Excited to try at some point... not sure if the retractable design is something I could get past or not. If you have dark skies on the desert trip I'd love to see some star shots. Travel safe!

[@Mister.Hackman]

Waiting for your review also!

[@JamesReader]

Thanks for watching Dan! I hope you get your hands on one soon, would love to know what you think of it. I’ll try to get some nightscape shots with it too

[@DanYosua]

@@JamesReader sweet, good luck!

[@srinibangalore3563]

Good review as always!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@Andi_R.]

Great lens - great review! Thank you!🙏 I already bought this lens when it was released and yh on my R8 I‘m really happy with it👍

[@JamesReader]

Really glad you’re happy with it! I bet it’s great to use on the R8

[@andrewb4048]

Could you demonstrate the rf 28-70 2.8 against the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM with an ef-rf adapter?

[@kenya4941]

Do you know if anyone has made a video on this yet? I was searching for the same thing!

[@andrewb4048]

@kenya4941 Havent found one yet, would also like to see both against the sigma 24-70

[@Mikri90]

@@andrewb4048 there are some videos, but I can't deal with finding them now. Anyway, it's not a huge difference between them but the new RF one is just a bit more "tight" i.e. better corner sharpness, slightly better bokeh, and a better focusing motor. Which made me choose the RF, I wanted a second hand EF version but several units I have tried were decentered and performed poorly. So I went for the RF in spite of the price difference. Central sharpness is comparable between them, but both should be better than the Sigma in the peripheral parts of the frame because it exhibits more field curvature. I am very happy with my lens, but the EF II will be good if you are more budget constrained, just go for a new one if you decide on it, because it might be tricky finding a good second hand unit. One thing that is pretty noticeable to me with RF vs EF lenses (of which I have 3, and only one RF lens, the 24-70) is that the RF has better stabilization as well a quieter and a faster motor, and the EF lenses I have aren't slouches either - 85/1.4L IS, 70-200/2.8 IS III and 35/2 IS. But the RF 24-70 is in its own league with how silent and fast it is, making the other lenses feel a bit dated. One aspect where I think Canon messed up is the exterior finish and overall materials used. EF lenses age very well from my experience, and while my RF 24-70 is a few months old and still in mint condition, the RF lenses seem to pick up more scratches and get "shiny" barrels because Canon opted for a fine matte finish. Not something to worry about functionally, but I don't think most of these RF lenses will age as well as their EF counterparts. This is already visible in various YT reviews where the wear is noticeable on the lens bodies, on fairly new lenses.

[@Augnos]

Also, this is a really great review and comparison! I've been using the Tamron G2 24-70 adapted for the last year or so. It's a great lens, but man is it heavy! The biggest appeal of this new 28-70 is its weight. Seriously considering trading up to this lens!

[@bonedale]

Might seem crazy but would love to see how it compares to cheaper super zoom 24-240

[@JamesReader]

That would be an interesting comparison!

[@ghalibsworld]

Awesome. Thanks for the most anticipated review for the budget photographers like me. I will purchase this lens and sell my 24-105mm STM (F4-7.1) lens.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Никита-у4т6я]

Excellent and complete lens comparison. The 24-70 f2.8 lens is the most balanced. It's hard to think of anything better. Fast and accurate focusing, sharp across the entire frame field for photos, small focus breathing for videos. The focal length range covers most of the needs. I take it on a trip or a combination of 15-35 2.8 plus 70-200 f4.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree! That’s an amazing travel combo too!

[@JamalPhoenix]

Yes but you fail to mention it's faults big heavy and very expensive.

[@mrzachwright]

had my eye on this one for a while and couldn't decide to get it or the 24-105. it's insane how much better the image quality is. great comparison!

[@Thedivinevision.19]

So which one you opted for Mate ?

[@philiprolenick4475]

Got this lens as soon as it was available and sold my EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM, shedding half the weight, when you take the EF to RF adapter into account. I call this my "No-eL" lens. Merry Christmas! I put a green rubber band on it, with a few red twist-ties as a bit of a seasonal joke. PS I have the RF 16mm and 85mm primes, which extend the range at both ends, and the EF 200mm F2.8L II as well (and the EF 1.4x TC). Interesting thing is that the Sigma RF-S 18-50mm f2.8 covers a similar range on my R7, and its images look similar - but my R6 Mark II does better at higher ISOs.

[@MosleydollMUA]

I’m deciding between the RF Sigma and this one right now for my R7 , I’m not sure if I’ll move to FF but I’m not bothered about it not being 24-70 on my r7 my more interested in getting a better quality zoom than my rf -s 18-150mm , any advice ? Thanks

[@LamNguyen-nj6er]

I don’t know why you got only 20k of subscribers. Thanks for sharing helpful videos!

[@JamesReader]

I really appreciate that. Thank you!

[@undifinder6643]

I think if more people buy this 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM and it is the first STM lens to have weather sealed, that would enable Canon to make more weather sealed STM lens.

[@JamesReader]

I think you're right!

[@marcmurison]

I was very happy to find that, on an R7 (APS-C), the new 28-70mm IS STM f/2.8 produces pinpoint stars corner to corner on astrophotos! Some chromatic aberration on bright stars, and very slight coma in the very corners, so not perfect (no such thing exists anyway), but not bad and easily corrected in post. This level of performance is throughout the zoom range. I was not expecting such excellent performance on astro, so I'm very happy indeed. (Ditto the 85mm f/2.0 prime, too, btw.)

[@LucElferink]

Great review and comparison. Would have been interested to see a comparison between 70mm and the 85mm f2 prime.

[@luparente8269]

Exactly the review I was looking for. Thanks you!

[@Augnos]

I thought you missed focus on the 24-105, but damn is it really that soft at the long end? I know it's one of the older RF lenses, but the sharpness drops off so much.

[@danphilipf.hernandez9977]

Awesomeness comparison! Totally enjoyed the review!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@Camedia74]

Incredible thorough review! Appreciate all the work it must have taken to do this. Your comparisons are the best! Can't wait to see if you decide to sell the RF 24-70 2.8 for this because I'm considering the same. The L weight definitely limits its use for me. Other than 4mm, what really is the drawback vs the L? Thank you.

[@sheynewton9061]

I can’t wait for the day Canon makes a 50-135mm lens, 35-105mm, or even 50-105mm for us portrait photographers that also do travel documentation! 24-70 not enough reach and 70-200 is not wide enough. And not all photographers need that snappy nano-usm so I’m glad this new stm is quick enough! Please Canon!

[@stevehardy5156]

I primarily use my kit for travel & landscape. Weight is always a concern. I bought the 28-70 f2.8 shortly after it came out. Getting ready to sell my 24-104 f4 so my kit will be the 14-35 f4/ 24 f1.8/ 35 f1.8/ 28-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f4. these along with my R8 make a kit that is less than 7#. Easy on the back if I carry everything along with my Angelbird Cyan tripod. Usually I carry a 6 liter bag with the 35, the 16 f2.8, the 28-70 f2.8 and the 70-200 for everyday general use. about a 5# kit. Gets me most of what I want even indoors. the 28-70 f2.8 quickly became one of my favorites.

[@SSK-27]

Thanks for this review. That retractable lens design is a deal breaker for me and good to know. Great bargain priced lens to be sure but having to remember to position the lens zoom is just one more headache to contend with during high pressure shoots. I also think it makes the lens more vulnerable to damage and dirt. I hope we see FF RF lens manufacture opened up in the near future.

[@rd_rae]

I‘d be really curious how the remaining wide end compares to the 14-35/f4 and/or the 15-35/f2.8. Any thoughts on that? Cheers

[@TheLordCyberex]

This 24-105 looks decentered, picture are much softer than usual (i have one). Maybe lens was damaged somehow...

[@KidsLife01]

I agree. 24-105 is sharp. Maybe it's old/damaged : kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX2vd6eBZZaeetUsi=3XEoPTjSHwhv4rvr

[@JamesReader]

It’s possible - I compared this lens to the 24-70 before centrally at least and got better results. It was a different lens though, this was a hire.

[@nextpicture]

i had three copies of the RF24-105, everyone was diffrent, but no one was better then my EF24-70/4L. so i am happy that till this 28-70 come.

[@dbenedict357]

They should have put a switch there to block from going too closed.. because when looking through viewfinder one might go too far.

[@marcinazael]

Thank you for detailed review of this interesting lens!

[@Scyth3934]

4:28 The 24-105 F4 definitely must've missed focus for the 50mm test - it's way less sharp than it was at BOTh 35mm and 70mm!

[@JamesReader]

@@Scyth3934 hmm possibly. I took a lot of shots at 50mm so I’ll include those too.

[@muffindell]

I think that you should get the 24-105 to a service centre, it should perform better than that

[@MrMonsterfred]

Hi James. Thanks for your great work. What about the autofocus in low light conditions ? ( For wedding photography for example )

[@daniellewhitney458]

This is SO helpful. Just what i needed. Thank you SO much.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@andycollins5983]

Excellent video! I have the 24-70/2.8L and the 24-105/4L and wondered how this lens would compare. Thanks for a thorough comparison!

[@sheynewton9061]

James, help! Let me know what you think. I am a hobbyist whose “work” consists of some portrait photography as well as travel documentation. I currently have the RF 35mm 1.8, 85mm 2, and 24-105mm 4 shooting on the R8. This new 28-70mm 2.8 seems like it’s everything I need (lightweight, compact, wide F2.8, and a zoom lens) . If you were me, would you replace the 28-70 for any of these lenses I already own and if so, which ones! The 35 and 85 have macro and yes I’ve used it for fun, but it’s not something I’m ALWAYS doing so I don’t think I will miss any macro capabilities should you say to get rid of either. Hoping to hear your verdict soon!

[@JamesReader]

Hey! I would hang on to both of the primes. I guess the decision comes down to 28-70 vs 24-105. It’s a tough one, because your primes give you more of a low light advantage over the 28-70. I would be tempted to stick to your current setup unless you find your self using the zoom a lot more than the primes?

[@Mikri90]

Don't change a thing, you have the range with the 24-105 when the light is abundant and 2 capable primes for when the lighting conditions aren't ideal. If you should change anything, get a faster wide prime, like a 24/1.8 so you have the range along with fast aperture with those 3 primes combined. (I would advise a Sigma 20/1.4 but that would require an adapter as well and it's a big and hefty combo).

[@dan.knows.photography]

Been waiting for a review on this and you are always the guy 👑. I'll be waiting for it get discounted before pouncing lol

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Dan! Really appreciate that

[@RiasatAbir]

I'm really considering selling the RF 24-105 F4L for the 28-70 f2.8. Will I lose image quality or sharpness?

[@Pixelpeeps-69]

As a wedding and event photographer I usually shoot at indoor venues where there’s lots of terrible led lighting and the coatings on the lenses on the l series lenses really help in keeping the ghosting and flaring down and the cheaper canon glass just carnt perform that well at all under these conditions so the non l series glass just doesn’t cut it

[@Adreno23421]

It`s really good... but is it EF 24-70mm F2.8L II good?

[@JamesReader]

Great question! I'd like to test them out at some point

[@PillsGrabber]

Super interesting finding regarding the sharpness. I use a 15-35 a lot and when I use my 24-70 I mostly use it at 40 to 70mm. Makes me tempted to sell my 24-70 and buy the 28-70, then spend the spare money on a trip or 2 five guys meals

[@JamesReader]

That’s the same move I am debating! I just wonder if I will miss 24mm for video. If I only shot photo I think I would definitely swap.

[@Crazy41ism]

Thank you for this review James. I was waiting for it :). I am not very pleased with digital lens corrections, but that's the route Canon seems to take.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! Unfortunately the reliance on lens corrections seems to be here to stay

[@kevinl1492]

Very helpful. 28mm definately isn't wide enough for the event and theater photography I do. But sometimes 24mm isn't either. I always carry two bodies and so a wide angle prime (EF 20mm?) on the other body will fix that problem. And if you need something longer than 70mm? As long as you nail focus, you can crop.

[@KavehSaidi]

Great work. Thank you.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@diegoeidelman]

Your comments and especially the comparisons are very complete, better than any other video I usually watch. Perhaps, it would be useful additional information if you mention your opinion on contrast and tint differences, although it is quite clear in the comparisons you show. Thank you very much James for your thorough work. I will share it in the Canonistas argentinos group I manage.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for watching! I’ll definitely do that next time. I really appreciate you sharing the video too.

[@MasonAyresCreative]

The fact that it's consistently outperforming a lens that's 3x the cost! definitely my next lens.

[@pingbookent]

Where is 24-105 2.8 USM Z ?

[@JamesReader]

I couldn't get my hands on one unfortunately, I do cover the lens later in the video though.

[@sterling68]

Such a fantastic comparison thank you as always 😊 this new one is certainly on my shopping list for next year. Currently using the Sigma EF 24-70 but my aim next year is to ditch using the adapter and go fully native RF so having this one at a decent price point definitely will help as there’s no way I can afford the others lol. Nice to see this one holds up in most areas compared to the much more expensive options.

[@Allen-Trav]

Thank you! I have been waiting and waiting for a detailed and intelligent review. You really covered everything! I have an RF 24-105 f/4 and an EF 24-70 f/2.8 ii. The RF 28-70 f/2.8 looks like a really good value option with much better image quality and AF performance than I expected. Maybe it would be a nice option as a smaller, lighter all-arounder for my R5 and R8.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Allen! I think this lens would be a dream paired with the R8 in particular. It’s possible I had a weak copy of the 24-105 though, so bear in mind the sharpness results are probably most similar centrally at least

[@dsnyder0cnn]

Nice work. I'm curious about video performance for the new lens.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! I’ll definitely cover that in the dedicated review

[@Desybell93]

I really was expecting a comparison between 24-105 f4 and 28-70 stm! I was trying to figure out which one to purchase. Thank you so much! Greetings from Greece!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@radcraig]

This is an amazing in depth comparison and exactly what I've been looking for on this lens (I actually wish all lens reviews were this thorough). Can't wait to hear how your experience goes when traveling at the end of the month. I'm also trying to decide to go with that or keep my 24-70 f2.8, mainly because I do an equal mix of video work and the lighter weight is more ideal for balancing on my gimbal.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it.

[@asmaisgatas100]

Bravo James !

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@dylanparsons19]

Is it just me or do almost all the 24-105mm photos look WAY more blurry then they should be?

[@cosmonaut1961]

thanks for the review, mate!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@xuans6065]

was thinking of getting the 24-105 L as my only lens, this video seems to suggest that 28-79 STM is better instead..?

[@Way_Out]

Thanks for review, very comprehensive!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@dennishensphotography7768]

Superb comparison! Have been looking for this to potentially replace my current travel lens: the 24-105 STM. In terms of getting a wider shot than 28mm for those close space, you can always take multiple vertical shots and stitch them together in lightroom. I also take the 16mm pancake for those super wide landscape occasions ;-).

[@PhilippeDHooghe]

Great review, James! You are one of the first to review this one and the comparisons make soooo much sense !!! As always, hitting on the stuff that really matters, I enjoyed it a lot but had difficulty not getting confused with all these lenses being so close in naming, except for the 24-105, but that is probably just me. And yes, the 24-105 f/4 shows its limitations but... it is 1500€ here in Belgium, while this 28-70 f/2.8 is almost as expensive at 1319€. Here are my thoughts: yes, the new 28-70 looks really sharp. But if you have the 28-70 L f/2, would you replace it with the new 2.8, really? The f/2 is a lot larger and 3 times as expensive, so for somebody on a budget the new 28-70 is .... too expensive still. I find it cannot match the 24-105 in versatility and budget people are not going to buy a bag full of lenses. In my mind it is not good enough for pros and too expensive and specialized for budget photographers. Compare the new 28-70 for street and landscape with the 28mm f/2.8 pancake at 360 € only and you'll know what I mean. The 35 f/1.8 is 590€ , the 50 f/1.8 is 240€ and the 85 f/2 is 720€. Add those primes up: 360+590+240+720 is 1910€ worth of brighter kit with a wider reach. I already have the 28, so for me it would be 1550€. I would not hesitate a second. I'd go for the brighter primes. In my mind it does have a place with video makers, trying to compete (and failing to?) with Sigma. So many compromises have been made to make it light weight. If this were a 600 $ lens, yes, but at 1300+€ this is by no means a bargain. The only thing this lens has going for it in my mind is the fact that Canon has no competition on RF full frame. I'm pretty sure when Chris Frost looks at this one it will not get the highly recommended score.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Philippe! I hope you are well. It was definitely a confusing one to put together at times, we have so many standard zooms now! Yes I agree I wish Canon priced this at under €1000, as usual as Canon shooters we seem to pay more than everyone else whilst making allowances for strange design choices. I'm excited to see what other reviews think of this lens.

[@Joulss78]

Are you sure your 24-105 F4 doesn't have any issue ? I have this lens and it doesn't look so soft even in the corners. Also the quality of a lens is not only corner sharpness, it also comes down to color rendition, micro contrast, 3D feel, flare resistance, bokeh rendering, etc. In these aspects, I would be curious to see how the new 28-70 performs against the 24-70 / 24-105.

[@JamesReader]

It’s possible I was given a poor copy. I’ve used many copies of this lens and it definitely has some sample variation but I’ve always been really happy with the 24-105

[@Joulss78]

I see, did it come as a kit with the camera ? I’ve heard that zooms coming with bodies are sometimes of a little less good quality than when bought stand alone… I could never verify though. But mine is really good so I was surprised with your results. Anyway thanks a lot for your review about the 28-70.

[@MWRtelevision]

I think what this shows is the 24-70 2.8 is hands down one of the best standard zooms money can buy. Almost perfect across the board - the 28-70 is also a great option, I just think I’d miss those extra 4mm at the wide end.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree!

[@Vlegel_]

Hmmm, now I am thinking about returning my 24-105mm F/4L that I just bought a few days ago... I can buy this 28-70mm F/2.8 for the same price.. What should I do... Going to mainly use it for city trips, car/motorcycle shootings, forest (I also have the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM and the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM)

[@YoussefHallouly]

Nice review James! I’m curious about the bokeh, does it look distracting compared to the 24-105?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Youssef! The bokeh is great in my opinion. Nothing overly distracting.

[@YoussefHallouly]

@@JamesReader Alright ! Thanks man!

[@madjeefoto]

First: What? you are english and i just notice this at the end?! Second: You prefer the new lens than the 24-70 2.8? Great video by the way. I don´t decide yet which i buy...

[@DavidSenteno]

I wonder how it compares with a Sigma 24-105 Art for EF

[@ScottBasu]

Hi James, I’ve been thinking about your review and the surprising softness your RF 24-105 f/4 is showing in some of those shots. I don’t think I’ve seen my copy that soft before, and am wondering if yours might have developed some mechanical offset within the lens assembly over time. Have you had it since it came out? Do you possibly have access to another copy, preferably a more recently manufactured one? Just wondering if you do, if you could possibly take a few test shots back-to-back on an R5 body to see if yours is focusing or resolving details any differently than the other sample? Thanks.

[@JamesReader]

Hey Scott! It’s certainly possible I got a poor copy of the lens. I have used 4 or 5 different copies of this lens over the years and it’s definitely one that has a lot of sample variation. I’ve tested a copy before that was great center frame though and kept up really well with the RF 24-70. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to compare the two again, unfortunately I can’t own all these lenses so I can only work with what I can hire for the time being.

[@ScottBasu]

Understood, I suppose it’s a different story if it’s a rental. I presume you’re in the UK? If you were somewhere here near LA, or if you rented it from someone here in the US that does mail order rentals, I’d want to track down that exact sample and rent it myself to see what the differential is between it and my lens.

[@ScottBasu]

BTW, I have heard of two different scenarios of sample variance - those originating from design and/or manufacturing variance reasons (commonly referred to as “decentered” samples), and others occurring as a result of tolerance shift over real-world usage patterns. One story in particular is of the classic Samyang /Rokinon 14 2.8 EF lens. That lens was so popular for Milky Way shoots out in the deserts around LA, that photogs here noticed that this particular lens would develop focus shifts over time, leading to their infinity manual focus point actually physically changing over time. It’s presumed this was due to the adhesives inside the lens assembly warming up out in the desert high ambient heat conditions… Which could lead to any number of different - random - aberration and focusing developments for each and every sample out there! So, what I’m suggesting is that it’s not necessarily known if it’s an endemic issue with the samples themselves, or as a result of shift depending on end user usage. The companies making these lenses probably have a good idea of where the issue comes from in each case, and it’s a data point we on the outside would never get insight into - unless we learn Japanese or Chinese and move there to join them. 😜 I’m just very curious to see if and how much of a shift that lens has!

[@julaca8690]

Hello James. Thanks for the video. Can you tell me how it performs on an aps-c sensor? I know about the apparent focal range that will be different, but it's not a big deal for the purpose I plan for it. I'm looking for a zoom with a good max aperture to use in low light conditions (indoor and outdoor). I find the new sigma 17-50 little short and according to some reviews, the RF 24-105 F4L is not a good choice for aps-c not performing well on that sensor size. My budget limit is the price of this one. (For R7 and R10). I have the sigma 17-70 f2,8-4C for reflex, but since I recently bought the R7, I tend to find it not as good as on the 80D and R10 but I need to test it more. Just wondering wich lens could be an alternative.