Canon RF 28-70 F2 // Brutally Honest Thoughts

In this video I share all my thoughts after a weekend of shooting in a variety of scenarios. I uncover the beauty and the beast held within the RF 28-70, I see now why it's seen as the best but also why it may need to be avoided altogether.
This is my raw thoughts after real world use and a bit of reading up. My gut is usually right most of the time like I was with the Canon R6 in the past. It might be your dream lens, or you might just dodge a bullet depending on your situation and expectations.
Music intro and exit was generated by AI over at
Mubert mubert.com/render
00:00 Intro to RF 28-70 F2
1:40 Wedding
9:00 Indoor/Family
12:12 Outdoor/Travel

[@jhoerup]

I use my 28-70 outdoor all the time. I even used it for travel in Zanzibar 2 months ago. Perfect for travel. Don’t restrict yourself take it anywhere.

[@Jekoza]

agree, love bringing it outdoor

[@maczkus]

How does it perform when taking landscape photos? Isn't 28mm too narrow? I'm struggling which one to buy - 24-70 or 28-70. I'm mainly shooting portraits, travel, family photos. And 30% videos.

[@gavthane]

@@maczkusnot really. You can easily take a number of photos and merge them together in Lightroom in a couple minutes. Also, landscapes don’t always have to be with wide angle lenses, I often use my RF 100-500 for landscapes as well as my RF 15-35 and other lenses.

[@maczkus]

@@gavthane thanks for your reply. I already bought 24-70 :D

[@stuartbooth1259]

I found this a really practical and relatable review. Thank you!

[@spatzilly]

Enjoyed your thoughts, thank you!

[@efreutel]

Extremely interesting.,Really enjoyed hearing about your experience. Many thanks🙏🙏😊

[@michaellekas27]

Excellent video. I went trough this dilemma when I was deciding betweenthe rf 24-70f2.8 and the rf 28-70mm f2. No question the rf28-70mm f2 is an excellent lens, but the 24-70 f2.8 is no slouch. Both are sharp, excellent lenses though if you pixel peek the 28-70 might have an advantage ( 200-400X magnification). But I chose the 24-70mm f2.8 and here are my reasons. 1) Weight and size....this is a big issue for me..the 28-70 is a beast and not only do I shoot social events but sports too...the size and weight of the 28-70mm f2 makes it difficult to shoot for an extended period of time. But not so with with the 24-70....never feel tired whether shooting a sporting event or fashion shoot 2) IS....yes the canon mirrorless bodies have IS internal but its nice to have the ability to further reduce your shutter speed and because of the excessive mass of the 28-70 my keeper shots will be lower compared to the 24-70mm f2.8 3) Cost.....the 24-70 is at least $1000 cheaper 4) when shooting fashin/portrait shoots indoor with strobes, I usually shoot f4-f8...it defeats the purpose of having f2 and when you add the mass issue of the 28-70 makes life difficult 5) I have the ef 85mm f1.4 if i really want that extreme soft bokah for natural light shoot and the 24-70 f2.8 at f2.8 is good also These are MY personal reasons for choosing the 24-70 f2.8 over the 28-70mm f2 and your mileage may vary and decide the 28-70 is better for you

[@eliaspap8708]

Thank you for the video and your thoughts. Sounds like its a great lens and for that kind of money and weight you would expect 3 primes in one and nothing less.

[@Sigman-xg9mf]

Thanks for the video. You’re the ONLY ONE on YT that is talking about how the look of the lens itself sells you and appears to others that you know what you’re doing. Great point to make. Thanks!

[@DAnoChannel]

Thx, I much appreciate you

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Its a lens to buy a camera for, not the other way around. So glad I bought the 28-70mm not the 24-70...

[@jeffreyhill4705]

Two comments, weight is relative, if you are considering this lens, rent it first. The camera strap is important. I do not have an issue with the weight, it is also not nearly the heaviest lens i own. I see a slight softness at f2, but much of that is gone at f2.2. None of it will show in a print, and most is hidden by the depth of field.

[@johncox5839]

Subscribed and liked based on this great review

[@salvamando1]

Great and valid points, thanks for posting! I have this lens and I LOVE it to pieces, despite it being somewhat impractical in some cases. Unfortunately I live in the SF Bay Area and unfortunately I simply will not take this out unless I am with a group or around lots of people - it is massive and does draw attention, especially from would be thieves! Beautiful pictures otherwise!

[@RWAquariumPages]

this is an amazing video. i was wondering how it was for daily family creative portraits and thanks for your unbiased opinion. Also about the sharpness, i had a few local friends mention the same thing vs. other l lens prime. how does the weight and size of the 28-70 f2 compared to the 85 1.2? keep up the great work!

[@DemaninDigital]

Thanks, I am happy you found his valuable. I have used EF 85mm 1.2 years ago and it felt a bit more balanced with the camera body. I doubt people shoot with that lens for 4+ hours straight right? Portrait sessions are typically shorter so not as much an issue like a versatile zoom. I actually really dislike the 85 honestly, so many better looking options out there IMO.

[@RWAquariumPages]

@@DemaninDigital That's very great comments. I got tye 85 but if I knew 135 was coming out I'd get 135/50 combo for fun family photos. That's all I shoot these days

[@adventure9606]

Thanks for the video and photo examples. I'm sure you could get used to it if you used it more often just like anything else. Vanessa Joy and Katlyn James use this lens all the time as full time photographers and wedding shooters and I'm guessing it took a little while to get used to it. It is a lot lighter to carry that lens and maybe experiment with different types of straps compared to carrying 2 cameras with lens or to carry another lens and have to switch them out. As to the soft images it may have been from your hand shaking since you mentioned that and possible higher shutter speed would help. Also it's possible there is a problem with that lens and if renting again maybe use a different company to test out a different copy.

[@elliottanderson4453]

I currently shoot with the Nikon 28mm f1.4G and 58mm on two bodies. Strongly considering switching just to use this lens versus two bodies. I shot a D4s for a few years, and I imagine the weight would be similar when using that with a 24-70 and Speedlight. Which was tough, but really only a problem when I was shooting one handed. As far as a strap, I currently have a Holdfast. I love it for two bodies, but after several years shooting in a warm environment, it is pretty stinky.

[@helloianzakharov]

I only noticed attention when have my 600/4 on. To my eye very few cares about 28-70/2 look. Nice pictures examples in your video

[@vimalneha]

Really useful information for my need. This lense has no image stabilisation, that's why soft image, you have to use faster shutter speed.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

The RF 28-70 F2 is a lens I absolutely don't need but would love to have. Since it's very heavy, not stabilized, and creates a very front-weighted handling experience, some of your images may have had minor camera shake. Additionally there's the reduced DOF from shooting at F/2. Did you employ IBIS via the menu? Every review I've ever seen states how tack sharp the 28-70 is, at least in the center where you most want it.

[@DemaninDigital]

Hey John! At a wedding with no IS I was extremely cautious of enabling IBIS, keeping ISO high and shutterspeeds over 160. I wish I could explain better what the feeling was after looking at hundreds of images and knowing I have seen sharper shots at F2 in the center area. How sharp is "tack"? And how much of center is "center" for this lens those are generous terms.

[@greyhoundrick5568]

Thank you for the video! Excellent points! I shoot with my 28-70 all the time and to me, its almost the perfect lens. I found the size and weight both things that I got used to in a relatively short period of time. In fact, I had a 3 hour dog shoot the other day and the size and weight did not bother me at all. And that was with a Godox v860ii flash on board with a light sphere. Its kind of like back in 2008-2015 when I shot with a Nikon D3 + 70-200 + SB-800 flash and got used to it. Then when I switched to mirrorless the new gear felt weightless! Then when I would go back and pick up my old kit it felt like it weighed 100#!! So, you definitely get used to the size and weight after a while. BTW im an older guy, 68, and am not very strong either. With regard to the sharpness...Ive found that at f2 the sharpness is very good, but not quite as good as when you are at anything stopped down from there. At f2.2 it is sharp and at f3.2 it is incredible. Sharpest lens Ive ever used and Ive shot Canon, Nikon and Sony over many years. I shoot with an R5 and the IBIS, in my opinion is outstanding. I feel Canon has the best IBIS of the 3 brands Ive shot with and is one of the many reasons I shoot Canon now. Anyway, just some of my thoughts. Thank you for yours and best of luck to you with your channel! I also hope that maybe my comments will help anyone thinking about purchasing this lens. I bought mine for $2899 US on sale. Take care! best to you, Rick

[@DemaninDigital]

Thanks for dropping by! I like how you said "almost" perfect heh. Never underestimate ol' man strength built over time. Yeah CAD its $3999 which is painful just to look at. I have never used R5 but the added pixels probably highlight the lenses abilities quite nicely.

[@greyhoundrick5568]

@@DemaninDigital My pleasure! Will subscribe and stop by often! The only thing that keeps this lens from perfection in my view is the lack of IS. However, I understand that with IS the price and weight would be even higher!! Take care!

[@kenhu6001]

Do you feel that pairing this lens with an R5 and a gimbal can make up for the lack of stabilization with this lens?

[@greyhoundrick5568]

@@kenhu6001 Hello! I only shoot stills, am older and do not have steady hands. Ive never had any problem with this combo. The IBIS in the R5 body seems to provide enough stabilization for me to shoot comfortably at shutter speeds down to about 1/40th of a second. I realize thats not a huge accomplishment but for me, thats about as low as I would go hand held. The lens is so sensational that its more than worth it even without stabilization. Hope this helps!

[@charlesjames9783]

It’s actually light because now you don’t have to carry 24, 35,50, and 85mm. I am a big guy so the weight isn’t an issue. I get more compliments on the 28-70 than any other lenses and I don’t miss shots changing. If you’ve never shot an event with it you should rent it. Amazing but hard to describe!

[@randycook6500]

I'm not sure why you think the way you do about straps. I shoot weddings with an R5 and the 28 to 70. I use a peak design strap and I only have the camera in my hands when I'm shooting and it's very stable when I'm walking. My colleagues use the moneymaker strap but they have two bodies. I agree if you had to hold that thing for 4 hours straight that'd be rough but you're forcing yourself to when you don't really have to.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I can absolutely tell a difference not having is however, Ive had more keepers than misses with this lens. Much like a cinema camera, weight means more stability. Mine was free so ill keep it. Still doesnt have the magic of a lower stop portrait prime.

[@sottheaphoeurng9044]

I would prefer Canon makes 35-85 f2 so I can buy 15-35 without collapse the same focal length.

[@DemaninDigital]

I always wondered why they developed that crossover redundancy. Quite silly.

[@locsbcn]

oh yes!!

[@eliaspap8708]

Tamron do a 35-150mm f2-f2.8 it’s fairly impressive

[@HectorRiveraPhotography]

sold it !! pick up the 85mm 1.2 and 5 1.2. sharper , low light king , makes me more creativity !! 85 is a beauty love it more 2 x more so shsrp

[@Lisawoodcreativephotography]

People have no idea if you are a good or creative photographer based on how BIG your lens is. No clue. The gear doesn’t matter, it’s the eye of the photographer.

[@mikebenning2409]

Friend to me and my 28-70: You must get great pictures with this! Me: Bought my wife a new stove. Now she can cook really good.

[@kenhu6001]

General question for anyone: If paired with an R5 and gimbal in addition to post stabilization, could those make up for the lack of IS in this lens regarding video?

[@gavthane]

Lack of IS isn’t an issues of paired with the R5, as Canon states that when this lens is used with an R series camera that has IBIS, it can get up to the full 8 stops of image stabilisation. I won this lens and have used it for handheld video and the stabilisation is rock solid.

[@AKSKMY]

2024 now. Potentially can trade the RF24-105 F4L that you are using for the RF28-70. But with a topup for like $2.5K in my area after trade in. What would you recommend? I do gimbal work as well

[@danielson_9211]

Have you tried the 24-105 2.8?

[@AKSKMY]

@@danielson_9211 Nope but F4 - F2.8 is even lesser stops of light so doesn't make too much of a difference I would think...

[@adnmultimedia]

The more you use this lens for longer periods of time you get used to it. Especially if you have a strap. I also use a flash on top of it and instead of holding th camera I hold the lens to take shits. After owning this I'd never go back to the 24-70 2.8..NEVER. For the price do I wish it had IS, of course! However, this is the one lens I can take to any event and feel 10000% confident in delivering results. I sold a camera body and two lenses to aquire this lens and I have no regrets.

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

I laughed at the part "I hold the lens to take shits". LOL

[@JosephRossPhotography]

I use to think I was being watched with my R5C I paid $5,000 for it actuality we are photographers if you keep moving like a photographer watch people be aware of your surroundings. The average person doesn’t know what the heck we are doing if anything we maybe the police or journalists people don’t want to be arrested or on the news. Street photography keep moving you get use to having expensive equipment with you all this crap cost money!! Be safe.

[@TronTonics]

I've been debating on this lens or the 85 mm 1.2. as I mainly do weddings and family photos. I already have the 24 to 70 2.8 which I was thinking about selling. Anyone have any opinions? I appreciate the help. Thank you.

[@DAnoChannel]

Weddings stick to zooms. And keep 24 to 70 of its working for ya already.

[@randycook6500]

Watch the Katelyn James video where she talks about using the 28 to 70 versus the 85. You'll end up with it.

[@danielson_9211]

I went with the 85 1.2 already have the 24-105 2.8, but that 1.2 is insane leave it on my R5 all day and use the R6 Mark 2 for everything else.

[@TooGood79]

That’s a pro and a Con. Everywhere I take that thing it attracts eyeballs 👀 After a while tho when you just want to take shots with fam and friends 😫 As far as the weight of the lens is concerned, I would recommend using a Peak Design Capture device. It’s a life saver when you want to take a break or switch bodies without putting your second body in the bag. All in all that 28-70 is always with me

[@efreutel]

What exactly is a Peak Design capture device?

[@efreutel]

Patience. Canon will be rolling out new lenses.😊

[@Narsuitus]

What does the "RF" in the lens name mean? At first, I thought it was a range finder lens.

[@Wolfgarden]

Re-imagined Focus

[@patricasmyth4359]

Re-imagined Financials (as in financial gain)

[@Ilovecharly13]

Would you buy it if you could get it for $2000......? I know you say $4000 is overpriced but is $2000 a good deal.?

[@kenhu6001]

I think when comparing it to the line up of the other RF price range, $2000 is definitely a steal for what you get. Site are still listing it for $2800+ right now

[@paulanthony1689]

Good review... looks good for stills but video could have used some IS

[@nilst119]

Good review. But pro photographer use strap. So …. I can’t see myself shooting a wedding or events without strap

[@torsrive8920]

5:40 videographers with C70 or BMPCC 6K PRO are laughing :D

[@chennytango9298]

weight is not an issue if you have a strap or pouch carrying it. also the comments in the video is self contradictory. one end you keep saying it is amazing on the other hand you think it is soft and want to test more and uncertain. I have the lens on my R5 all the time and sharpness is not an issue at f2 and also much sharper when stop down. which is common for big aperture lens.

[@darrengad6493]

I agree about the lack of sharpness. It was noticeable enough for me to send it for calibration 2 times and get it replaced on the 3rd. Still soft on the edges. Even checked a friends. It distorts faces near the edges on group shots. I sold it. 24-70 was better for edge to edge sharpness. With the R5 you can use ISO to get that stop of light easiliy. And otherwise, I my Canon 35 L2 is way sharper.

[@humbertomartinez8897]

$4k? Is this in Canada? Here in the US it’s $3k

[@efreutel]

So what if edges aren’t sharp. Clients don’t buy test charts. If the lens is amazing who cares? BTW, imagine the size , complexity and cost of adding stabilization.

[@LeonidAntonia]

Why you will buy this lens for family? Buy a camera like fujifilm, you can move quick with it and amazing colors. I use canon for my work and fujifilm for my some work/family/streetphotography. This is not a lens for using for streetphotography of travel.

[@Snap_Pix_Media]

I use my 28 - 70mm on the streets of South Central Los angeles... nothing happen to me

[@iKeto_gal]

But if you go Downtown LA, that might be a different story 🙃

[@Snap_Pix_Media]

@@iKeto_gal been all around there on foot with my 70-200mm out in the open

[@dfj555]

You mean $3k.

[@JaysonSantos]

Canon RF lineup sucks. There’s no 24, 28 or 35 pro lenses. I hate zoom lenses and the only decent one is this 28-70mm that is heavy as hell.

[@henniebester9437]

I have the RF 24-70mm f2.8, and suck or being indecent is the last thing that comes to mind when I look at the images coming out of it.

[@jcloiseau]

They have a 24, and 35 sti lenses and they are fine. You can also use ef lens on it. I did an event today where i used the rf 16, rf 35, ef 24-70 ii and ef 70-200 I had a great mix of wide, macro, general and portraits. It's working fine.