Canon RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM Review - This Lens REALLY Surprised Me... (Photo/Video Review)

[@shawnlabranche6852]

I really don't understand why this lens doesn't get more love. It's such an awesome lens. I traded my 24-105 f4 for it, and it was a great move for my use case. Once I knew you were reviewing it that was my sign to go for it, lol. Great video as always

[@KidsLife01]

@@shawnlabranche6852 Do you think Nano USM on L lens has better autofocus? What's your opinion when you compare thoes two lens

[@shawnlabranche6852]

@KidsLife01 I don't have them both to compare, but from memory the autofocus is so close between those 2 lenses that I can't tell the difference. For what I need the lens for during events the 2.8 is better and makes a big difference than the F4 did.

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much Shawn! I'm really glad you're liking this lens as much as I am!

[@JamesReader]

I would definitely agree, the lenses perform really similarly in AF

[@ephargha]

Ahh the comment I need! Really cannot decide between those two lenses

[@Criticalhitkoala]

You've been one of my favorite people to watch the last 5 months just for the vibe and feel of your stuff. Always appreciated. I picked this lens up on a whim despite owning the 24-105F4 and 28-70 F2 and it's actually been a constant for a lot of work including 12 weddings and 3 corporate shoots since it came out. Light weight, great image quality, solid feel. I mentioned it in a comment reply to someone below, the only thing I don't like is the "Extend your lens to use your camera" screen, and only because it doesn't show anything else on the cam like battery life, last settings, etc unless you take that one extra step. Otherwise it's been an incredible lens for me.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! Totally agree about the "extend your lens" screen. It does obscure too much on screen info. Glad you're enjoyign the lens too other than that!

[@williamchan8866]

If canon started to make more lens like these there would zero need for third party lens. People complain canon has less lens choices coz of little 3rd party ….but if you look at what they already have their lens are top notch esp their L lens and so are some of their non L lens are really really good too.

[@martinekwall4671]

I agree fully! They are on the right track. It would be strange if they didn’t continue along this line.

[@Yupthereitism]

It’s so overpriced

[@nokianx400]

We need third party lenses so we have more choices which means prices will be lower.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree! A really positive step from Canon. Would still be very happy to see Sigma & Tamron come over to RF Full frame!

[@williamchan8866]

@@JamesReader in general more lower price lens means more people will be affected by GAS…but when choices are less but very good quality you think more carefully and save for that lens you really do actually need and keep. I’ve knew that going into canon.

[@russellmm]

I just spent the last 3.5 weeks in Egpyt and Tunisia with my R5 Mark II and the 28-70 F2.8 as my only lens. I own the 24-105 F2.8 as well but just wanted a lighter lens to take with me. It really performed well and was super easy to carry around. Took fantastic pictures, as well as great video (kept the NiSi True Color 1-5 ND on it the whole time even for photos). My only real complaint was 28mm just isn't wide enough for many indoor situations so I found myself pulling my S24 Ultra out on those occasions.

[@JamesReader]

Glad you enjoyed it on your trip Russell! I can imagine for some in door situations 24mm would work a little better. You use the same ND filter as me too!

[@mostlymessingabout]

are you on S24U because you're Android or do you think it's better than iPhone?

[@mostlymessingabout]

I find even 24 isn't enough. 20 would be better that's why I really want Canon to make a 20-70 f4 like Sony 😢

[@russellmm]

@@mostlymessingabout just an Android user. as for 24 not being enough. For many indoor situations, I would agree. So I just bought the RF 14-35 F4. I went with it instead of the 15-35F2.8 because I want lightweight.

[@adamwhittingham86]

Thanks James. You put a lot of work in to this channel. Keep it up.

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much Adam!

[@ricardocarvalho1184]

I have 28-70 , great lens. love it

[@whosyourbrad]

Sick one James! Nice video and photos, I love that island, so photogenic!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Brad! Fuerteventura was amazing

[@juhaaavalaakso455]

I have this for my R8 and it replaced all my prime lenses and all other lenses except telephoto. Fantastic lens for every day use. Dead silent focus and IS. And its very compact. Love the twisting to make it travel compact. And it is super sharp. I have simple nothing negative to say about this. This and R8 is a great combo.

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree! One of the best lenses you can pair with the R8 for sure

[@77dris]

I really love the different direction you took this video/shoot - It's incredible! The colour, tones, and posing are so fantastic and inspiring. It's so weird seeing you out in that hot sand while I'm sitting here in Canada where it's -28 with a meter of snow on the ground. It's like a different world.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much DRIS! Wow that's VERY cold! I thought we had it bad here in the UK. I was definitely nice to enjoy some better temperatures in December!

[@imelpomene]

I plan to buy this lens next month to pair with my R5II. It seems quite versatile and good quality for its price.

[@JamesReader]

Totally, I think you'll be really happy with this lens!

[@lamddd]

Been excited since you teased this video last time! certainly delivered! thank you! as the photographer with two small ones in the family, the size and weight savings is definitely worth the hassle of an extra twist before use!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@shaquillenoeltv]

Amazing video as usual James ! I had sold my R6 MII in favor of the Lumix S5II but I just ordered an R8 , can't beat Canon for Photography ! Definitely gonna get this lens

[@JamesReader]

Thank you Shaquille! This lens was MADE for the R8. I think it'll be a great combo. What do you think of the Lumix?

[@shaquillenoeltv]

@@JamesReader The Lumix is amazing , I've never loved a camera so much to the point where I don't need to replace it , I just need a 2nd body and didn't wanna get the S9 so R8 it is ! Will probably grab an s5iix or the s1h ii whenever that drops

[@steveglennan]

I have it & love it! Thanks for your review.

[@JamesReader]

Thanks for watching!

[@philcupper]

Great seeing this excellent little lens getting more love. I've been using it a ton since getting it and loving the photo and video from it.

[@JamesReader]

Really glad you’re liking it too Phil! It’s a great lens.

[@shonen84]

If I didn’t have the f2, I’d be all over this one. Amazing lens, this one’s a winner

[@yashprayog]

The shots are fantastic. I do have this lens. No regret buying this one

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! Really glad you're liking the lens

[@chadpurser]

I noticed a lot of red fringing around high contrast scenes during some video scenes, like at 8:07 and 9:00 (around balcony supports).

[@JamesReader]

Ah that’s just some halation added in post in Davinci resolve.

[@martinekwall4671]

Great review and good work from both of you, it’s not easy to stand a lot in front of a camera. Seems to be a fantastic lens. That is so good at many zoom lengths/mm. Is 28mm enough? For some use cases it is. For me I really need a bit more, I’m happy with my 24-104 L. I think this lens could pair really well with 15-35L on C70 as well. Side note; I got RF100-400mm non pro lens, but in good light or using a tripod it’s really sharp and has a good bling in the photos. I think that several of the non L lenses are better than we think from Canon. Maybe we need a list of which are best… Beautiful video and photos🤗

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for the kind words Martin! I really need to check out that 100-400 lens, it looks great! I agree that this new 28-70 would work really nice with the C70. We have a lot of really great zooms now on RF

[@jonnydelrico]

Definitely need this lens!

[@josephgarcia5037]

Greetings James! Do you recommend this lens for events, weddings, conferences etc.?

[@danhoang6335]

Could you compare it to RF 24-105 F4 L lens? I see the price for like new F4 lens is cheaper than this new lens, I am sure it is a bit heavier but it has longer focal lens and is professional L rated.

[@JamesReader]

I have compared them before, I think you will find they are both really nice on camera and won't see a huge difference in size and weight. Optically, they are similar and both very good, but I would give a slight edge to the 28-70 in terms of sharpness. I think if you have the 24-105 f4 already and you're happy with it, I'd stick with it

[@Andi_R.]

Love this lens❤ it literally turns my R8 into a swiss army knife 💪

[@JamesReader]

This must be a great lens on the R8!

[@iammarcin]

Great video. I have a 30 year old EF L 28-70mm which is soo good, its hard to believe there was room for improvement.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnherzel718]

The 28-70 f2.8 plus the 14-35 f4 strkes me as a fantastic pairing, mostly because I'm ok with f4.0 for wide angle, and it keeps everything nice and compact. I'm also impressed with the 70-200 f4.0. but ....😮 the 135 f1.8 and a little cropping might eliminate the need for a longer zoom. This all out need for everything is wearing me out....

[@JamesReader]

Totally agree John - that's a great lightweight setup. I love the 14-35 F4, it's one of my favourite Canon RF zooms.

[@GerryTavares]

I traded in my RF 24-105 F4 for this lens, and I've extremely happy with it.

[@JamesReader]

Really glad you're liking this lens Gerry!

[@PhilippeDHooghe]

Wow, James, what an enjoyable show this one is (again)! I wish you well with your throat, it is the season indeed, got it on the plane? To answer your question: no. Too expensive, certainly without the hood. It feels out of place. Either it goes (well) under 1k€ or you add a lens hood, some better coatings, a red ring and a carry pouch for it to be worth the asking price. Another feeling I have about it: 24-105 is still quite a bit more versatile and maybe Canon can improve the optics of that L a bit, because this is what this 28-70 does now: make the 24-105 look poor optically. I feel the new AI process Canon is using for lens design should be applied to the 24-105. That is the main reason why I still use the 20 year older EF Mark I and did not upgrade to the RF, the RF version isn't sufficiently superior optically and my R7 makes it look really soft, no better than the much cheaper and even more versatile RF-S 18-150. With f/2.8 the 28-70's bokeh is really amazing, the material on the oversized striped squirrels is stunning. On a more relaxed topic, wow James, it looks hot there. 8:21: hot enough to make pop corn on the sand 😃? What a session you had with Rachel!! Thumbs up, this video with its colors, lighting and ambiance doesn't need to be about a lens, this artistry has merit on its own. Hat off and deep bow to Rachel for being the accomplished model she obviously is now.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much Philippe! Rachel and I really appreciate the kind words. I would be interested to try this lens on the R7, I wonder if this is a zoom that might be able to keep up with that sensor. The detail this lens can capture is really impressive.

[@PhilippeDHooghe]

On the money, James! However, I'd still like to see real quality compact and light APS-C lenses for the R7. Canon seems to promise new lenses for 2025 that will "transform" APS-C, looking forward to that!

[@alanc6468]

I got one thanks to your earlier review. I love the long range photos coming from this lens. The wide range is usable but suffers in sharpness. It might be better than the RF 24-70 L 2.8 above 35 mm.

[@JamesReader]

I’m surprised you notice a lack of sharpness on the wider end, I wonder if there’s some sample variance between lenses as mine is pretty good. Others have reached out to me and shared your experience too. Totally agree about it being outstanding beyond 35mm

[@lelaam7]

I got this lens after watching your previous video, and I love it. Will you be reviewing the new 50mm f.4?

[@JamesReader]

That’s awesome! Yeah I’m hoping to get my hands on the 50 1.4 soon. Looks like a great lens.

[@sols9449]

the one time I wish he left the raw files. would loved to see this one

[@abreakwell]

Been waiting to hear your thoughts on this lens after your comparison video with the L series F2.8 and F2. Here in the U.S. it is about a grand cheap the the L 2.8. I think this put me over the edge. Guess I will have to get the hang of the retractable part. Thanks for the great reviews!!

[@JamesReader]

Thanks so much for watching! Let me know what you think of the lens if you pick one up

[@clydelaya6230]

I think this lens will get the best out of it when indoor or without the sun

[@ConstanzeTrn]

I really think they ignored the price just for the label. No matter the quality, nothing on this planet is worth $15,000 a bag. But I spent 200 on a super treasure from kislux and I no longer blame people who buy fakes.

[@NepaliNed]

Hi James, thank you for making this video. I hope you get better soon. I really enjoyed your review of the RF 28-70 mm F2.8 lens. Incredible images and so versatile for the focal lengths you shot at. This is exactly the lens I've been looking for a general purpose lens, great for travel and not needing to take off the lens from the camera body for another. I will be definitely purchasing this lens over the 24-105F4 L series lens I had it compared to. I agree, the price should be a little less. I was wondering as you didn't mention it, but on a prior video, you mentioned you were concerned with the lens extended if you would get sand or dirt in there while you were on holiday. How did the lens do? Did you have a clear filter on the end of the lens just in case? Do you do this with your other lenses or rely on lens hoods for protection? Thanks again, and looking forward to your next video.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much for watching! I had no issues with the sand and dirt, luckily I didn't have to change lens too often but when I got home I checked the lens for any dirt and debris and it was fine. I didn't use a clear filter or lens hood either, either though I probably should!

[@aged41]

I'm torn on this, I have this lens and I'm unsure how it really fairs in terms of image quality to the 24-70. Will I notice the difference for portraits, everyday shots when traveling or will this lens do the trick? I don't have a 24-70 to compare at the moment. I figured I'd ask that here. I think I’m better off getting the 85mm USM DS lens for portraits but this might be an intern solution until I gather funds for that 85mm.

[@JamesReader]

I've compared them side by side and the results are very very similar. You can check out a previous video I did comparing them, I also shared RAW files. For me, as an owner of the 24-70 2.8, sharpness would not be a factor for me when deciding between theses two lenses. The main trade off I think is the loss of 24-27 mm

[@aged41]

fair for the 24-27mm range but compared to the 28-70f2, aside from the extra stop to 2 from 2.8 is there a difference that would make it worth the money? I think the thing I’m worried about is the speed because of the USM vs STM motors.

[@blaspayri]

Great review and pleasant tone, as always. Some of the pictures at dusk seem a bit blurry; maybe it is camera noise or motion blur. All in all, it seems like a good option for video, even if it is not much faster than the F4 L zoom I have.

[@JamesReader]

Thank you for watching!

[@tintin69rr]

Great vid I’m on the fence I was going to get a preowned ef 24-70 f2.8L ii adapted onto my r6ii & R But for a little more this lens is an option but does it beat the older ef L lens? The weight of the ef isn’t an issue but more af speed and sharpness is an adapted ef slower than the rf ? Please help me make up my mind lol 😂

[@JamesReader]

The EF lens is really good - for me personally I prefer not to adapt so would choose this 28-70 for its size and weight. My guess is they perform really similarly in terms of sharpness and AF. It comes down to if you need 24mm too.

[@VitalyPerepelitsa]

Same here whether to keep 24-70 or get this one 28-70 and 24 1.4. Are you having plans to get your hands on rf24 1.4?

[@JamesReader]

Hopefully getting hands on with that lens in the next few weeks!

[@ChristianVegaSimpson]

Love your channel mate! Would love to see a video on how you process your images. The finished look on your photos is spectacular. Do you use LUTs like a video or is something else? Again to clarify I'm inquiring about the photo processing, not the video. I see you've shared the LUTs you use for your video so no questions there. Thanks!

[@JamesReader]

Hey Christian, no LUTS, I have my own Lightroom presets that apply my preferred look to photos that I have developed over the years. I'm planning on releasing a few videos over the next few months regarding Lightroom editing so hopefully they will help. I may also release presets in the future

[@ChristianVegaSimpson]

@@JamesReaderawesome! Looking forward to it. Keep up the great work!

[@KidsLife01]

Would you buy 24-105 F4 over RF 28-70? I bought Refurbished 24-105 F4 L for 600$ during the black Friday (Directly from Canon) and I think it was a good decision. What do you think?

[@WondersofGuyana]

Where can I find deals like this

[@KidsLife01]

@@WondersofGuyana Canon official web page. Refurbished lens and Cameras - fully inspected with 1 year warranty

[@JamesReader]

That's an awesome deal! I'd stick with the 24-105 F4. It's a great lens and super versatile.

[@HwL01]

will you review the two new VCM lenses?

[@JamesReader]

I will! Still waiting to get my hands on them

[@alfredknodler540]

Great review once more, James! I own the RF 24-70 2.8 but am tempted to get this one because of the smaller size and weight. How do you think: is the quality of the 24-70 worth the bigger weight for video?

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! I think you’ll see identical quality really, it’s just whether you will miss 24mm for video. Other than that this lens is really well suited for video. What camera would you use it with?

[@alfredknodler540]

@ I own the R52 and the R62 and the C70. Even I own the 24-70 I use my 24-240 when I do video work for TV.

[@43rdMusic]

thanks for doing these reviews! for travel which do you prefer, the 24-105 F4 or 28-70 F2.8? I’m trying to decide which lens will compliment my 70-200 F4 on travels. I’m also thinking about doing a 35mm and 70-200 F4 travel combo. Your thoughts are appreciated!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you! That's such a tough one. I think because you have 70-105mm covered by your 70-200 I would perhaps go for the 28-70 2.8. You could definitely also go with the RF 35mm 1.8 + 70-200 F4 combo. That would absolutely work if you like shooting with primes?

[@PillsGrabber]

Gorgeous location!

[@JamesReader]

It really was! Amazing views in every direction

[@captaincook6283]

Would be interesting if it is as sharp as the 24 to 70 mm L lens that you have or maybe even sharper wide open of course…? Wonderful pictures as usual was that a Canary island?

[@JamesReader]

I tested in a previous video and they are very similar in sharpness. That’s right, this was shot in Fuerteventura!

[@fxnehit3944]

Hi James! I love your videos and especially your photos, so I followed your recommendations and got the 24-105 f/4. Right now, I'm thinking of getting either this lens or a 35mm f/1.8 + the 85mm f/2. I shoot a lot in low light, so the f/4 isn't ideal. Do you have any recommendations? Best of luck!

[@JamesReader]

Thank you so much! That's tough, do you prefer to shoot with zooms or primes? I think the 28-70 2.8 would provide you with a zoom lens solution, but you could absolutely just pick up a 35mm 1.8 to compliment your 24-105. That's what I did many times when travelling.

[@fxnehit3944]

@JamesReader I love the versatility of a zoom lens (I don't mind shooting with primes either), but I want something with a faster aperture. Is the difference between f/2.8 and f/1.8 worth it for portraits and low light?

[@WondersofGuyana]

So I need to choose between the 24-105 f4 and the 28-70 f2.8 as my 1st lens for a r6 mii. I would love to know which one you recommend I buy.

[@JamesReader]

That's a really tough one! What kind of things do you shoot?

[@WondersofGuyana]

@JamesReader so I'm from Guyana in South America I started doing KZbin about places around Guyana people can check out. So it's like tourism with some educational/informational type some.

[@elven11pm]

I'd be interested to know what you think is better for portraits - 24-105 f4 at 105mm f4, or otherwise this lens at 70mm and f2.8. I guess the compression would be better at 105mm, but I'm nor sure how the bokeh would compare?

[@JamesReader]

I've tested this before and found the results really similar. If you check out my 24-105 f4 vs 24-70 2.8 video you'll see that comparison!

[@BearInDespair]

I hated that retracting system on EF-M lenses, it should be locked on 28mm. Super annoying when you need to "turn on" zoom before you can take a photo.

[@drbeardo6960]

I want to by an EF 24-70 f2.8 IS ii (used) to adapt on my R6 m2 And i got this review... RF 28-70 f2.8 vs Ef 24-70 f2.8...? I've already got EF16-35 f4 which covers 24mm... Thank you in advance...!

[@JamesReader]

The EF lens is fantastic. It sounds like you have 24-28mm covered by your other zoom though, so personally I would go with the 28-70 for its size and weight.

[@Apopropo]

Honestly, I don’t quite understand why you’ve added so many effects to the videos you shot with this lens. You talk about the features of the lens, but then you use heavy effects, steering away from what the lens can naturally do. Normally, when showcasing the capabilities and features of a lens, shouldn’t the footage be presented in the most simple, natural, and unaltered form possible?

[@JamesReader]

Most of the video section has no effects. The rest is just my personal style I guess. I think the video section really illustrates the detail captured by this lens.

[@Demullete]

02:18 is that Blake Lively ?

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I watched another KZbinr review this lens and he liked it. But its weird on BHphoto it got three and half stars. Maybe some bad copies got out or something?

[@Criticalhitkoala]

I think it's because people don't like the cost. Some people still have pre 2019 prices in their head, and while I don't blame them, this lens already has paid for itself 5 times over for me and this is coming from someone who also owns the 24-105f4 and 28-70 f2. This lens is just amazing and worth the price they are charging for it. Only thing I don't care for is the "Extend the lens to use your camera" prompt. It's not that the extension is bad, it just doesn't let you see anything on the camera like battery level or settings until you extend it out.

[@JamesReader]

I have had one or two people reach out to me who were unhappy with the lens, mainly due to sharpness which seriously surprised me as I have had the complete opposite experience.

[@ghalibsworld]

It will be unavoidable for R8 or R6 mark ii if it comes with a hood or is fixed at 999 USD.

[@JamesReader]

Agreed!

[@novainvicta]

Lens Rentals top ten for 2024 has Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II at No.1 the Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM at No.2 and the Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8L IS USM at No.3. At No.4 is the Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS III and at No.5 the Canon RF 28-70mm f2L So whilst you may think the RF24-70mm is bested by the RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM or the RF 28-70mm f2.8 STM that’s not what the vast majority of professionals think. Personally I have the RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM which I use for landscapes but for portraiture the RF 24-70mm f2.8L IS USM which really is a workhorse lens is my go to lens and I use about 75% of the time.

[@BokehBluesAndBytes]

This lens just came out....90 days-ish ago? You are comparing historical stats and saying they clearly indicate a preference. This lens is too new for that data to be reflective.

[@AnonymousStang]

I’m thinking about trading in my rf 135 for this lens. Im not sure if I should tho😭

[@JamesReader]

That's a tough choice, the RF 135 is fantastic!

[@lyubendikov]

Ok, but why use this and not 28-70 F/2

[@JamesReader]

Size, weight, cost & stabilisation would be my reasoning

[@jastorfilms301]

That lens is significantly more expensive and it is HUGE I’ve used it an i honestly wouldn’t want to walk around with it for an event shoot

[@benjycinema]

I don’t like this lens lol

[@JamesReader]

What didn’t you like?