Canon RF 28mm 2.8 Review For Travel, Portraits and Video (Free RAW Files - Canon R8/R5)

[@rob1422222]

Omg just watched like 10 videos about this lens and none were as good as this. This video sold me on it, thank you for actually showing beautiful examples and not just talking about the lens with no proof! I almost didn’t care for the lens anymore and wasn’t going to buy it but now I am :)

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! I think you’ll love the lens.

[@FlowzenKing]

He did the same for me, thank you for your video!

[@steverix8181]

Canon, more lenses like this, please!! I've just picked up one of these for my R5, and it's an absolute breath of fresh air. It'll be travelling with me where ever I go with my R5 from now onwards. Insanely light and low profile but with great IQ.

[@PhilippeDHooghe]

Thank you for this video, James. The RF 28mm f/2.8 I had picked up before you released this video based on Chris Frost's lens review. I used it on the R7. And your video just confirms how good this lens is. The RF 28mm f/2.8 can actually handle the 83.2 Mpix FF equivalent resolution of the crazy demanding R7 sensor. It is the only lens I own that can. I used it for street photography in Berlin on the R7 and took a shot of some of our group on a tower far away. Zooming in on the faces using DPP on the computer, the resolution limit showed to be the pixels of the R7 sensor. I was totally amazed. The f/2.8 - though I mostly shot f/8.0 - lets in enough light to make the R7 AF work reliably and be on focus. Not evident with the R7. This is such a good lens. Your videos convinced me to buy the R8 body while I already owned the R7. I was frustrated with the R7 for its indoor and low light lack of performance. You also pointed out the R7 was not so good for portraits. This video you made has a very special warm feeling and meaning to me now in many respects. We were on Madeira in January and I used the fantastic light R8 + RF 28mm f/2.8 combo for most of my shooting. And because TAP aren't very reliable with being on time, we hedged our bet with ... staying over in Lisbon and visiting it... I was shooting the same combo you did in the same places. The filter size of the 28mm f/2.8 is the same as the R7's 18-150 kit lens, so I was also able to use the polarizer I have for it. Beautiful, beautiful shots... Please forward my regards and respect to your wife for being a very patient and natural model, she gives this video that extra edge making it even more enjoyable.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for the amazing comment Philippe. I’m so glad you’re loving the lens as much as I did. I loved using this combo in Lisbon too, I would love to see your shots from your time there if you have them posted anywhere. My wife appreciates the kind words too! We are hoping to visit Madeira this year, it looks incredible.

[@alexmaccape8411]

After I bought RF 28mm pancake, it has basically been glued to my R6mkii. Only downside for me is the lack of weather sealing.

[@EddySawaya8637]

Also have an r6 mark 2 and can't wait to get this lens.

[@JamesReader]

You’ll love it!

[@davey3765]

I wish they had made this an L lens

[@alexmaccape8411]

@@davey3765 I wish too.

[@mh7711]

​@@davey3765with rain protextion and at least F2.0

[@arjenijff1414]

For me the ultimate daily life and travel lens, perfect match with my RP.

[@yassinelamri9681]

do you miss the image stabilization for video? thinking about swapping my ef 35mm f2 is usm (+ adapter) with this one since its sooo small

[@arjenijff1414]

@elamri9681I don't use video. But if you have IBIS it should be no problem

[@JasondePlater]

I was waiting a long time for an RF 28mm lens and this lens didn't disappoint! It pairs really nicely with the RF 50mm f/1.8 lens too for a travel/portrait set up.

[@stefan4831]

So true, what a fantastic low weight, relatively cheap and high quality full frame travel kit, especially paired with the R8

[@RVarrun]

Loved the video. The 28mm is so versatile. 35mm and 28mm are probably the only lenses you need for environmental portraits , trave and street photography.

[@Dmitrii_88]

24 1.8 is the BEST !!))

[@mh7711]

@@Dmitrii_88 and with crop mode -> 38mm :)

[@LuigiL75]

The 28mm focal range is MY go to "storytelling" lens! It just gives me just enough of everything I want and need for 99% of my workflow! I hope Canon releases a F/1.4 0r 1.8 version some time soon!

[@mh7711]

Exactly! I want this, too! To have a better Leica Q3 :)

[@joaolavaque]

I've been shooting with Nikon DSLRs for a long time. I'm switching to mirrorless and was convinced to go with the sony a7c ii because I want light gear for travel and family. Your canon RF lenses reviews paired with the R8 are convincing me to go with Canon. Thanks for these great reviews!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! Both great cameras, that’s a tough decision.

[@joshcruzphotos]

The A7Cii is way better than the R8 in nearly every respect except ergonomics. I own an R6Mii and an A7C btw so it would have been easier for me to just grab the R8 too. But no, I preordered the A7Cii. This 28mm pancake lens is what now makes my R6Mii a joy to travel with btw!

[@JamesReader]

@@joshcruzphotos the A7cii looks awesome. Very tempted to pick one up in the silver finish. So many great cameras right now

[@PixeloProGear]

Perfect to pair with the R8. Great walk around pocket sized setup

[@JamesReader]

Agreed! Thank you for watching.

[@Miguel-fm8xh]

I absolutely love the 28mm focal length, perfect between 24mm and 35mm

[@manishadutta2115]

Ultimate travel bright lens and sharpest for any RF mount lens like 16/35 mm

[@베이스치는마이콜]

instant like, I really enjoy all your lens review videos keep up your work!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@aidenmcgeehan428]

This and the 50 are my favorite lenses for the R8. So small and pretty great!

[@arnaudfoucard8563]

This is the combo I'm eyeing now. How do you like the R8 ergonomic?

[@aidenmcgeehan428]

@@arnaudfoucard8563 it's pretty good to hold, if it is too small for you though you can get a grip to extend it a little bit. But I like it's compact size

[@MattHalpain]

Super fun review for me of this lens. I will definitely be purchasing this lens in the future for my Canon R100.

[@PNWild]

great quick review. grabbing one for my R5

[@JamesReader]

You’ll love it!

[@WestVillage-vv3hg]

Good stuff. Saw so many talking head videos about this lens, its great to see some real world examples. Funny enough, despite all the stuff Canon has put out for RF over the years, this and the 16mm are the first two that are making me thinking of making the switch. Now, if only they had a compact short tele like the Sigma 90mm f/2.8, that'd be my perfect 3 lens kit right there.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! Have you considered the 85mm f2? That’s reasonably compact.

[@Rawa2ful]

Thanks James for the amazing video and the nice pictures. As usual very nice to hear your opinion on the new gear. Keep inspiring us

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Mohammed!

[@davidkouris2832]

Top notch Video as always. Good to have a "Beautiful Traveling Model" by your side. I should be receiving mine this Thursday from B&H Photo. Gonna test it out on my R6mkII at a local car show this weekend.

[@TechnoKid1100]

I just got the R8. I love it! Can you do a video of your set up on the R8 please?

[@etibkel]

cool video and great images! 👍👏👌 this video sold me not only this lens but a R8 as well.

[@JamesReader]

That’s awesome! Thank you so much for watching.

[@ThoSchoholic]

Thank you James for that review and the beautiful pictures and moody scenes! I waited so long for a lens like this as I was very tired to carry an L brick around my neck. I had it on the R5 this summer for a California family trip and it performed very good. It worked for me as I took the camera everywhere and took the iPhone just to check the time. I used it most @f8 - crispy sharp, but also wide open for environmental portraits. I wold like to see it in comparison with a L zoom lens or a more premium lens like the Sigma 28 f1.4 and see what is possible.

[@JohnMacLeanPhotography]

I'm a stills only shooter and it's my absolute favorite walkabout lens on my R5 and R6. I bought the EF 40mm f2.8 back in 2012. I liked the size, but I didn't like the focal length. This is even smaller and sharper. Just wish it had weather sealing. But for the price it's a must have.

[@Lucidexplore]

Love the photos. Curious what picture profile do you prefer on your R8?

[@Vaquero_interestelar]

I just love this channel.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Andrew!

[@NizarNoor]

I'm about to go on a trip and it will be my first trip with the 28mm pancake lens. I'm excited but a bit nervous too, due to the lack of IS. My camera is the R (no IBIS). Before this, I was using the 35mm a lot and I thought it was pretty dang good.

[@appalachianresearchgroup]

Thinking about picking up one of these for a trip to NYC at the end of the month and I think this may have sold me on it. Thanks for sharing!

[@edobette]

I love this lens. I use RF 28mm with a little flash TTL, the Godox TT350 and a tiny trigger, the Godox X3. Little and high performance.

[@user-mrmmaxx]

Спасибо за обзор, я себе купил Canon r8 и жду когда приедет ко мне rf 28mm. Очень жаль что я не знаю английского языка и приходится смотреть с субтитрами, приятный голос у вас и вы делаете хороший, качественный обзор, спасибо вам!

[@Ellendevroe1]

Amazing review, thank you so much! Love your calm approach! I do have a question! If you were to choose between the 28mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.8 lens, which one would you take for travel purposes? ☺️

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! That’s a tough one. I would probably take the 28mm most of the time, I really like the slightly wider focal length for the kind of travel shots I take. Both are definitely useful though!

[@Ellendevroe1]

Thank you very much James!

[@LuizCorsi]

Do you sell your lightroom presets? Its awesome

[@jonjonckheer5063]

Another great video and review! 💯

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much!

[@TrangNguyen-cs6wv]

i really appreciate your sample photos with half and full body portraits, it really show practical "travel photography" . thank you! the photos are so pleasing, with just enough bokeh to be wayy better than phone, but not "commercially bokeh", if you know what i mean. but for video, i wish you sticked to the theme of light weight and budget option with the r8 or rp, as that's kind of the whole premise. if you could, vould you share a bit more for that usage? clips just like a simple snapshots of the place, stationary, 10- 20s for example. is the digital stabilization enough? thanks!

[@felrickson]

The smallest for full frame, aps-c had the mighty ef-m 22mm f2

[@DanYosua]

Another RF 28 / EF Sigma dual wielder! Great video. Similarly happy with the images, and surprised by the astro ability all the way to the edges of the frame for the price.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Dan! Both great lenses! I’m a big fan of your channel by the way. I appreciate you watching

[@DanYosua]

@@JamesReader Oh wow, thanks! Glad I found your vids 🙌

[@dannymolns3573]

Hey James! That shot above the church with Castelo Branco on the screen, what was that shot with? Gorgeous motif!!!

[@BearInDespair]

Loved the size of ef-m 22mm. This should be similar in size with RP R8 bodies. I will get one in half year when canon new lens 30 pct tax will go away.

[@classic.cameras]

Great video! Had I stayed with my R6 I would have totally bought this lens. Amazing little hockey puck of a lens!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! What camera did you get after the R6?

[@mattandrews5983]

Just picked up this lens, loving it so far…..wondering if you ever use filters for your travel / personal photography? Polarizer? Mist? Etc. Thanks!

[@JamesReader]

Glad you’re enjoying the lens! I don’t use any filters for travel

[@i.m_finn]

Hi James, again a very nice video. I appreceate your videos. So thanks for that at first. The focal lengh in this tiny body is a very interesting lens for many Canon RF users. So for me as well, because I am struggleing which focal length is better. The RF 24mm f1.8 or the RF 28mm f2.8😅. Looking forward to see your next Video 😃

[@JamesReader]

Quite similar focal lengths! I really like both lenses. Portraits and video I would probably recommend the 24. For everything else like travel etc, the 28mm is great!

[@i.m_finn]

@@JamesReader Many thanks for your reply James 😀👍

[@the_wiki9408]

24 and 28 are barely different in the real world and you could easily crop 24mm to 28mm, and usually scoot back a little to make 28mm work instead of 24mm. Just pick based on whether you want tiny size or f1.8, IBIS and Macro.

[@koolegard]

very useful, thank you

[@marvinjasonlopez3623]

Nice shots!! Is this better than the 16mm 2.8 prime lens for landscape / Travel photography? do you always shoot at ISO 100?

[@shaneparent3114]

Great video! If you had to choose one lens on a trip would you bring this one or the rf 35 1.8?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Shane! Very tough decision, but probably the RF 35mm just because I take a lot of portraits when travelling. But the 28 is an amazing walk around lens

[@MeettheCreatives]

dude i just bought this lens but needed a review for my needs as a portrait photographer and found this channel - subbbbbscribed haha

[@JamesReader]

Thank you man! Hope you’re liking the lens. One of my favourites

[@MeettheCreatives]

@@JamesReader yeah man it’s honestly phenomenal. Tack sharp too! I do a lot of event photography and have the 35 1.8 and the 24 mm and I almost like the results from the 28 better!

[@JIROPAN-l2x]

I am buying this lens this weekend. Thanks

[@JamesReader]

I hope you love it as much as I do!

[@PHILGOODOK1]

Thank you very much for this video. Could you do a comparative test between these two photo lenses = Canon RF 28 mm F2.8 and Canon RF 24 mm F1.8 IS stm Macro? would they be equal for landscape photos and for portraits and street photography ?

[@JamesReader]

I’ve tested both quite a bit. For portraits I would recommend the 24 just for that wider aperture. Perhaps same for street if you like that style too. For landscapes they would be about the same and I believe the 28mm would be sharper but by the time you’re stepped down to f4-5.6 for landscape photography they will perform almost exactly the same.

[@PHILGOODOK1]

@@JamesReader Thank you for your answers. So for Portraits and Street Photography do you think the RF 24 will be better than the RF 28 ?! Finally, there is RF 24 only for its lightness and compactness that the RF 28 would have an advantage ? I have a Canon RP (I would replace it later with the R8 I think...) and I find that the RF 24 is a little big and leans a little towards the RP, that's why I was considering replacing it with the RF 28, but now with what you're telling me, I might keep my RF 24 then...

[@samansh6305]

Thanks for your review! I’m traveling to Lisbon soon and considering this lens on a crop sensor, which gives it a rather unusual focal length (~45mm). Do you think it would be a good fit? Also, I love your edited images-do you use any special presets that are available for download or purchase?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching! I think the 28 on crop sensor should be pretty good - occasionally maybe a little tight but overall a pretty versatile field of view. I think in Lisbon in particular it should work well. I'm working on both video tutorials and presets currently, hopefully they should be out soon!

[@malyavkastacy]

Наконец хороший обзор ❤ thank you very much 🤗

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@aleksandr2394]

brilliant review! Thanks for the video samples. I'm looking for a small video lens for my r8. Could you please provide the video settings from 8:11 to 8:30 and especially 8:20. Did you use electronic or post stabilization on your r8? The main question for me is can this lens be usable for handheld video (simple static shots, no walking) without ibis or any digital stabilization? Thanks❤

[@JamesReader]

8:20 was with absolutely no stabilisation at all, just walking steadily so you can expect even smoother results with the EIS turned on.

[@aleksandr2394]

@@JamesReader I'm not a big fan of EIS as it creates artifacts on slower shutter. Hopefully the 28mm will be wide enough for handheld static shots.

[@chacmool2581]

0:09 Why? Have you forgotten the RF 16/28, EF 40/2.8, the EF-S 24/2.8 and the EF-M 22/2?

[@ShaMunoz25]

So what recommendation do you have for a starter setup for couples/families and some landscape photography? Thank you in advance

[@JamesReader]

For a prime on the RF mount I think the RF 35mm 1.8 is perfect for that use case! For a zoom, the 24-70 or 24-105 would be great.

[@Lamidnightsss]

Idk if it’s your surroundings but my goodness the color palette is gorgeous. Do you have any pre set packs or a video sharing your editing style?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! Working on presets & also a video with travel photo editing tips soon

[@Lamidnightsss]

@@JamesReader You’re welcome! Looking forward to it!

[@WestWightPhotography]

Love this lens on my R5. Just wish canon did a7cr equivalent to pair it with. Will have another look at the R8 size, but still would like something a little more compact with ibis and a few more mp. But this lens on R5 is 😍😍😍

[@JamesReader]

True, that would be awesome! Maybe we will see a compact version of the R5 Mark II.

[@WestWightPhotography]

@@JamesReader now that would be awesome 👌

[@the_wiki9408]

If you've never seen the R8 or Rp in person, they are really small. A7C is *barely* smaller, but actually a bit heavier than the R8. I Do agree IBIS would be nice. But they are also a lot cheaper than the A7C series.

[@WestWightPhotography]

@@the_wiki9408 The lack of ibis, smaller battery, and the lack of buttons have always put me off, unfortunately. It's even had me thinking of moving across to Sony lol

[@JmartiStudio]

What do you think from 24-50mm there is a lot of difference in this 28mm lens???

[@ryzenbiel4145]

Wow Cool 🔥👏🏻

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@dannymolns3573]

You're making me go crazy with all these awesome reviews. Just subbed earlier today and now I'm binging. I plan to get the R8. Would you advise to buy without the kit lens and save $ to use towards other lenses? For lenses I plan to get the 50mm 1.8 for sure but what should I pair it with out of the 35mm and 85mm? I really like to shoot stuff like you (mostly portraits, some landscape) Thanks so much!!

[@dannymolns3573]

OR should I go with the 35 and 85 (no 50mm) ?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you man that means a lot! I think 35mm is the perfect focal length for travel and portraits. You can always add the 50mm and 85mm down the line.

[@dannymolns3573]

@@JamesReader the aks for the replies man! I think I'm going to pick up the 85mm first! Then expand. I guess I'll have to get three: 85, 35 and 50!

[@TheNewArtSchool]

Great video! Why not use the EF 28mm f/1.8 ?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! I’ve never actually tried that lens, I will have to try it out.

[@Dmitrii_88]

24 1.8 is THE BEST !)))

[@UP209D]

I wish there is a pancake 28mm f2.0 with this same form factor, it would be perfect for me

[@JamesReader]

That would be a dream! Hope to see something like that from Canon soon

[@felipecarneiroandrade]

Does the Canon EOS R8 have the same issue with HSS as the Canon EOS RP?

[@classic.cameras]

I love 28mm so much I now have 11 vintage lenses and the Sigma 28mm f1.4. I have bought most in 2023.

[@JamesReader]

Such a great focal length. That sigma is incredible

[@classic.cameras]

Though its a big mofo and no hockey puck like this lens is. 🤣@@JamesReader

[@kikiholder]

I wonder how fast can you swap the lens with others like 50/1.8, 16/2.8, or 85/2 ? I don't see the point bringing a dedicated camera if you stuck with just one lens while our phone got 3 already. 10 sec of awkwardness is enough to make me look like a dumb traveler. Lovely photos as always.

[@JamesReader]

It's not too bad, I think the 28mm and 50mm is a great combo for travel. Still, a zoom like the 24-70 or 24-105 is the dream setup. Thank you for watching!

[@amitkrupal1234]

Is R8 with 16mm f/2.8, 24-105 f/4-7.1 & 100-400 f/5.6-8 good for travel photography, especially touring on bike.

[@JamesReader]

Yeah that would be a great setup. Eventually maybe add the RF 50 1.8 for a fast prime and you have a perfect setup there

[@pierodavideleardi8006]

Hi! Did you say that it performs like a canon rf L series zoom (like the 14-35 or 15-35)? Did I get you correctly? Thanks for your videos! They are very informative!

[@JamesReader]

That’s correct! It gives a very similar performance to the 15-35 or 14-35.

[@pierodavideleardi8006]

@@JamesReader woah, thanks. I would have never suspected that. I just got back to this beautiful hobby which is photography and my starting choices were a canon RP, the 50 1.8 and the 28 2.8! I'm still practicing and really find your videos very useful for us (beginners). 🙏

[@jvincents]

Would you still recommend getting a 28mm after having a 35mm & 20mm on my kit? both on f/1.4 so its quite heavy sometimes. I shoot mainly portraits, travel, lifestyle.

[@JamesReader]

Yeah I think the 24mm 1.8 or this 28mm would fit in quite well there. Especially as a smaller lightweight option. There’s a surprisingly big difference between 20mm and 24mm too.

[@gsanchez922]

I had the 28mm f1.4 and now the rf 24mm f1.8 and I like it more than the 28mm

[@youngblood3013]

1.8 or 2.8 what is better ? Video apsc

[@Households1234]

Another great video! Beautiful model, but why does she not smile on occasion?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@saptarshidas2245]

Man this is really tempting.😢 I mean the size. How does it compare to the 24-70 @28MM?

[@JamesReader]

I would say it’s just as sharp as the 24-70 at 28mm. It really is that good.

[@imnikshay]

Apsc camera ?

[@metro-prolol4402]

How will it perform in a R50?

[@StefanoGinnetti]

I have the 28mm and the 35mm f1.8. I can’t make a decision between this two every time. What’s your opinion about?

[@JamesReader]

Hey Stefano. I’m releasing a video in the next week or so comparing the 28 to the 35. What kind of things do you shoot?

[@StefanoGinnetti]

@@JamesReader mostly family scenes/portraits and street photography. I use the 28+50 combo but the quality of the 35mm is high. The only con is that is bulky and weight as the 28+50 together.

[@davidgourpage]

What presets do you use?

[@VolleyballLyfe]

Would you take this and 50 or this and a 16 or this and 16 and 50?

[@JamesReader]

Personally I would take this and the 50!

[@VolleyballLyfe]

@@JamesReader have you found you ever need a used a lens hood with this?

[@Teannawoods_]

Would it be good for vlogs?

[@JamesReader]

I tested that a bit at the end of the video section, general a little too tight I think. 20-24mm is better

[@pulsar5351]

LOVE form india

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@pulsar5351]

@@JamesReader i love your videos

[@vibrasieve]

A experienced model, I saw her walking around, waiting for the shutter

[@JamesReader]

She’s the best!

[@jonathan_careless]

Hmmm... I've got a RF16mm and a RF35mm. Wonder if I need this too.

[@mh7711]

When you use crop mode for 16mm you get nearly 26mm, so, no :) I walk around with 14mm and 28mm for light traveling, but perhaps I change the 28mm for 35mm because of better bokeh, I didnt decided yet.

[@stefan4831]

​@@mh7711very big difference in weight between the 28 and the 35 and very different focal length so not comparable imo. I have the 16 and 35 but will now get the 28 for ultra light combo on my R8 so that I never have an excuse not to take my camera anywhere ;)

[@mh7711]

yes 28mm is soo small and lightweight, I love this. I decided, Instead of carrying heavy 35mm 1.4 I bought small rf 50mm 1.8 that I take with me sometimes, which takes place in bag without any problem. Just in case, for portraits. ​@@stefan4831

[@XHItube]

Great review! If only this lens was weather sealed... haha Pancakes make that difficult though.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! Weather sealing would of made this lens perfect!

[@cookshok2014]

Very very beautiful country 😍😍 wonderful place 🥰🤩😻💋🙂😘 my dear friend 🙏❤️🌺💐 from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@JamesReader]

Thank you!

[@DavidGoldschlag-k2e]

I was looking for a Gimbal lens for my EOS R, I think that this would fill my requirements.

[@TexMex421]

It's a cool lens, but if you have a 24-70 or 24-105, is this worth adding to your bag? Would you ever pull it out of the bag?

[@PatchedBandit]

Came for the Canon.. Stayed for the Tudor 😅

[@theaudiofool5475]

Why are you tapping your finger so hard on the shutter button 😳

[@베이스치는마이콜]

​@n578md2 😂😂😂

[@77dris]

I'd NEVER buy an F2.8 prime unless it was 16mm or wider, or 200mm or longer.

[@JamesReader]

That’s fair! For me it’s only worth it if it’s tiny, like this lens.

[@Makta972]

I hate 28mm focal length. Probably the most boring focal ever. Better go with a 24mm or a 35mm

[@JamesReader]

I can understand that. I’m a fan personally. Thank you for watching

[@caseybachmeyer]

what a great comment...really helpful. I take the focal length i need for the particular situation...12 mm. 14 mm. 16 mm. until 1600 mm...very easy story