Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Review: GOLDEN Pancake or FLOP-Jack?

Thanks to Westcott, PetaPixel's preferred lighting partner, for sponsoring this episode!
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The Canon RF lens lineup has a shortage of small affordable primes, so we were thrilled to see the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 arrive. Are there any tradeoffs for such a small, light lens? Chris Niccolls investigates.
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
www.thecamerastore.com
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Design and handling
1:47 - Portraits
2:55 - Autofocus
3:32 - Close-up performance
4:02 - Flare
4:41 - Bokeh
5:23 - Video
6:11 - Sharpness
7:05 - Should you buy one?

[@Magellan678]

I recently picked this lens up to use with my R5 and I absolutely love it. It’s super sharp and disappears on the camera since it’s so lightweight.

[@GuliversTravelocity]

The opening of them as video game characters is still my favorite thing about them moving to this channel. So cute.

[@joshjacobson9846]

Just ordered one. Stoked to have something super compact for my RP.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always, keep up with the awesome content 👍

[@EvolvingMagic]

You guys really let loose this episode...and I loved it. 😂👌 Keep up the amazing work guys!!! 💯

[@-grey]

I'm looking to buy into the R8 tonight, as an upgrade from my Fujifilm, since the size and weight difference is negligible with a X-H2 or X-T5. I'm glad that Canon are making these compact high aperture primes. I'd love a 40f2 pancake also. Like the Nikon Z L. So long as they're performing as well as my f2 XF glass there are no negatives for me. 😊

[@TheRenalicious]

I loved using the EF-S 28mm on my 7D, it was the perfect combo for me.

[@silviugheorghe7118]

Thanks for the review. Nice informative review!

[@thomparks2575]

Always love your reviews. Thanks! Note: control rings may be damped but they are not dampened unless used in the rain. Small point.

[@relaxwithme3266]

You guys are awesome. And I am saying that from Edmonton. Haha. Thanks so much for this review. I was thinking to purchase this to just have something on my camera when walking around and you've demonstrated it would be good for that!

[@Peter-wm5eu]

Like for the intro alone! 😂 Keep up the great content guys!

[@onlysublime]

I wasn't sure if I wanted this because I have the 16 which is so ultra and the 35. I ended up getting the 24 to split the difference. However it's nice to hear it's not a macro which means I don't have to worry about slow focusing like when I use the 35 at macro distances.

[@ervinavideoblogs]

Those flash portraits look amazing ❤❤❤

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Haven't ever used a flash? It's normal

[@zroeder]

I'm just thrilled to have something tiny for casual use.

[@kent2000100]

Enjoy your review of the 28mm. I guess this would be a practical focal length for ASPC, but for full frame I’m not sure I see a use for me. Maybe a vlogging lens?

[@edruttledge342]

I've had this lens for about five days to pair with my R5. Intended use is travel and street photography. Compact - check. Lightweight - check. Bonus! I am enjoying the unexpected overall sharpness of the lens. However, the vignetting in the corners is more pronounced than I expected... Did you guys just beat out Gordan Lang on the chart thingie? 😲

[@maheshg212]

No vignette on R8😊

[@davidmpoliveira1]

Mirrorless native lenses, by nature, tend to have more vignetting. Check Gordon Laing's teardown of the RF 28mm, it includes a very nice explanation for that.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

@@maheshg212 What does this even mean? It's a full frame lens, of course these vignetting on the R8. Do you understand how this stuff works? Honest question. If you was on crop then that statement would make more sense.

[@Augnos]

@@simonmaduxx6777I tend to get more vignette on my R6 mark ii than my RP, mostly because vignette occurs from IBIS. Definitely happens with my 24-240, not sure if it would be the same on this lens as well.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

@@Augnos Hello. Vignetting from IBIS? i've never heard of such a thing...I'll research that myself. That said, imho that lens is suspect as the cause anyways, as it is low grade optics covered up with a camera profile to fix it. its a FF lens so what you see with the enhancements controls turned off, its the real deal. from the raw files, not a jpeg. generally speaking, the enhancement should be off in most cases but that's not the case i guess for casual usage I figure.

[@JGZphotography]

I once had the Canon EF 40 mm 2.8 pancake, then sold it to get the RF 24mm 1.8, which I love. While it's not a pancake, it's compact enough for general photography, especially in low light or the need for more bokeh. I often take exception to the focus quality on the corners when lenes are wide-open. Well, who takes pictures of subjects right on the lens corners of the viewfinder??? It's the center area that focuses best. Or stop way down the lens if doing landscape on a tripod. Often the images on corners are out of the depth of field range, so who cares? Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is a good choice for general street and hobby photography. Canon offers professional RF "red-ring" grade lenses (pricey) for the real McCoy quality shooting and sharper corners.

[@user-kj1yx5sg3g]

Great pics of jordan.

[@MitchWebb94]

Please could you review the new Voigtlander 27mm F2 Ultron manual focus pancake for the X-Mount system please? Really want to see how it compares to Fuji's and TT Artisans 27mm pancakes!

[@paulyeung6608]

Looking forward to the Viltrox 28mm f/1.8 review! New 28mm for Sony E 👀

[@matteugenio]

Can’t wait to get one!

[@pyroMaximilian]

I would love a lens like this on the Sony A7C, and more 28mm lenses please!

[@leafphotopro]

Love what Canon did back then with its 24mm f/2.8 STM aka the pancake lens for APS-C. It was on my 70D most of the time. I do hope Canon releases the lens again for the RF-S version since its cameras are all so good now, only the lens line-up is lacking.

[@VladimirKorsun]

Uh? EF-M 22/2.0 for APS-C.

[@michelecintramika8482]

@@VladimirKorsun EF-M 32mm f/1.4 😍

[@VladimirKorsun]

@@michelecintramika8482 Great lens. Owned it once.

[@michelecintramika8482]

@@VladimirKorsun 🙌

[@piotrgraniszewski8544]

28mm is my fav focal length as well

[@nikoforu]

I like what Canon ios doing with all their small-ish, affordable primes.

[@richrollin4867]

It’s the lenses in the middle where they don’t do so well. With Canon it’s either cheap and cheerful or ludicrously expensive.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

Well not many others do. The only reason why you'd buy this is because you literally literally have no other options.

[@mjsvitek]

2,8/28 is a classic. Every system needs one.

[@DAVISION-YT]

Seems like some sample variation in this lens. I got very good results in the center even with 2.8. If was comparable or better then 24-70 2.8 or 15-35 2.8. Just the Corners ware worse. Over all I also liked the lens a lot. BTW. 35mm is the best focal lenght.

[@tncowdaddy]

I don't own a Canon RF camera and probably never will, but watched this video just for Chris and Jordan. I was not disappointed. The portrait session segment was some of your best work.

[@o.aldenproductions.9858]

Love the farmer's shoot , you really brought it out of him😊

[@efreutel]

Great review. Many thanks!👍👍👍

[@Kevon420]

I hope someone like Sony can come out with a 28mm f1.4 GM so Chris can be really happy.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

Lol dont ask canon for a 1.4. You'll die waiting

[@HaiTomVlog]

I use the 28mm on my Nikon Z5, it’s a great focal length!

[@quite1enough]

My fav focal lengths is 28mm and 40-ish. And full frame 28mm gives me best of both worlds - wide angle on full frame and 40-ish filed of view on a crop.

[@grumpyrocker]

I love this kind of lens. My most used on my Fuji is the 27mm f/2.8 pancake. Obviously a wider angle in this video on a 35mm camera.

[@trym2121]

Xf18f2 is the direct comparison to this. 27mm f2.8 FF equivalent.

[@yoginwidhi6676]

You know that 27mm apsc is 40mm in fullframe right? Its supposed to be 18mm for comparison.

[@koukics]

Love my sigma 28mm 1.4 on my R5

[@matthewmagdefrau]

What was in Jordans Pocket @ 2:54? I think we need a podcast segment on this. Jokes aside I do wonder what EDC the guys have on these shoots.

[@Thejohnventura]

I think Jordan modeling/portrait portion is now a necessary piece in lens reviews 😮

[@Ryomichi]

Late to the game, If I own EF 28mm F/1.8 USM, Will this RF pancake perform as well or better in "sharpness"? I heard both lens are soft. I used it on 70D, and now that I have R6 with IBIS, I feel like to trade them lenses. I like the compactness of RF28 compared to EF28+adapter.

[@jplimages]

😂😂😂The pocket close up @ 2:54 😂😂😂

[@geek-elite]

Every time you start an episode, I expect you to say "Welcome back to PetaPixel DPReview TV viewers..." 😂

[@LukeChristopherPhoto]

Check out the Westcott heavy-duty stand, that thing is making me nervous with the FJ 400.

[@georgemahlum6542]

This pancake lens turns out to be my most used glass... great for street on one of my RP bodies...

[@bybenoit5593]

another great review. But what bag are you using in the shots?

[@niccollsvideo]

That's the new @wotancraft Pilot Backpack

[@mh7711]

This lense is soo sharp when using F4 to F5. 6, even in the last pixels at the edge, mindblowing! way sharper than my Ef 35mm 1.4 II L

[@derissuprapto]

Really bro? Amazing lense ❤

[@mareksykora3891]

cannot believe... my 35/1.4 mk 2 is the sharpest lens I even use...

[@mh7711]

on my old canon 5dmk3 it was my sharpest lense too, yes, but on R5 the 28mm (at F4. 0) and rf 50mm 1.2 are sharper than the old 35mm 1.4 mk2. perhaps there is little bit variation in lense quality? don't know. but yes all lenses are sharp, compared to other Ef lenses. ef 70-200 2.8 and 135mm 2.0 are extremely bad on my R5 and I sold them. ​@@mareksykora3891

[@imagesbirds5066]

I love 28's, too. One of the reasons I love my GRIII so much.

[@mbismbismb]

Why not liking full frame lens on an apsc body? I’m loving it with the EF lens 😏

[@Ildskalli]

1) Once again, Jordan's shoot proves that lighting is way more important than the body or lens. Excellent job guys! 2) I guess once it crops up in the used market, the 28mm will be interesting. But, as things stand, one can get a used copy of one of the Samyang f/1.8s (24mm or 35mm) for about the same, or one of the awesome Sigma i-series primes for not a lot more, and all of those lenses are a lot better than this pancake. Open RF mount up, FFS!

[@adamwhittingham86]

2:09 - 30 seconds of comedy gold!!! 😂😂😂

[@ArumesYT]

This lens makes a lot of sense on APS-C. And while I agree APS-C lenses are preferred, with this tiny amount of glass it really doesn't matter. I think producing an APS-C specific version would only raise the cost because the sales are too low to offset the cheaper lens design.

[@genderender]

28mm on aps-c is the ideal running around imo

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

"amount of glass" ... it's a bunch of plastic. Like in those single use throwaway film cameras

[@simonmaduxx6777]

Um...28 mm on crop? Sounds kind of shite /terrible. It might as well be a 28 mm F4 for that matter. I like many else find it to be a very oddball view but somebody out there likes it Those 15 people. 😸

[@ClearComplexity]

You can't really make the argument of preferring APS-C native lenses on Canon with how they treat their users with the locked mount. It's either buy a slow-ish zoom, or deal with something like this, losing your weather sealing benefit if you're on something like the R7, and suck it up. TBH, this on the recent bare bones R100, or higher spec R50, would be interesting as a Canon R budget walk around setup (if you have to have Canon) since there's nothing like the M6(II) or M200.

[@azuki2919]

@@simonmaduxx6777 I agree. Whats the point of shooting on a 28mm on APSC. What we actually need is an RF version of the pancake 22mm f2 with its macro focusing. Then you have an ACTUAL good lens

[@80-80.]

Should have pointed out that this is one of the few RF lenses that supports breathing correction, but the R5 is an old camera and does not have this function.

[@DriveCancelDC]

The R5 came out in 2020 and has received significant firmware updates over the last few years. It's one of their flagships alongside the R3 and has not been replaced with a new model & new firmware is still coming. It is not an old camera, the specs are top of the range today. Might want to re-adjust your usage of "old" as it does not work here at all.

[@TimLucasdesign]

I use this on a Canon RP to make a compact walkaround system that fits in a jacket pocket. It's a great alternative to a dedicated lens setup like an X100V.

[@heavyhibi]

What about video?? I’m considering it with 50mm .. I usually make short films…Web series..

[@TimLucasdesign]

@@heavyhibi Yes, it's really good for video, just know there is a little focus breathing when doing focus-pulls. Also record your audio with an external mic to avoid hearing any focus motor sounds (I always do anyway).

[@piotrch0]

06:07 What is this UI? Is that some built-in Canon focus breathing indicator?

[@PentaxEnthusiast]

I love the 28 mm focal length! I have three "vintage" 28 mm lenses that I adapt to my R5. The Canon FD 28/2.8 is slightly sharper than my Minolta MD 28/2.8, and then I have a Vivitar 28/2.

[@LuigiL75]

The 28mm is MY "storytelling" lens! It gives me a little of of everything I need for 99% of my workflow! I hope Canon releases a F/1.4 or 1.8 version soon...

[@icsesimleatsmalar133]

I think you can also make some old EF/EF-S lenses on new R cameras videos

[@Photoped]

Haha love the farm boy photoshoot!

[@brianlaguardia9122]

Love 28!

[@JasondePlater]

So glad Canon finally gave us 28mm in RF mount! I bought it and found it’s plenty sharp wide open, especially for portraits. Hopefully Canon will provide a firmware update for focus breathing correction.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

28mm for portraits.. is rather odd. For a group shot maybe, on crop you're not going to get separation, on full frame it's just so bloody wide.. distortion is pretty much mandatory and you really have to control / keep your angle of view flat (vertically) more or less. Yep... Just odd.

[@NRecob]

Chris, I think 2:43 & 2:51 of Jordan are awesome!

[@SnIpErX07]

I take back my words. Thanks Canon for this. Competition is the best.

[@TheKingPrawn114]

Even at the price it's a hard sell when I already have the RF24mm. I still want it.

[@Poorgeniu5]

It looks like the 24mm EF-S Lens re-born as an RF lens!

[@tuuchen2990]

Dem portraits! Epic 🤣

[@abinabraham2042]

Rf 28mm can take group photos properly? To use for family functions? I have 18-45 kit lens and the pics are below par with the EOS r50.

[@vinvanid]

28mm pancake should give you much better quality for group photos !

[@thedarkslide]

Sigh, I wish it was optically as sound as the EF 40mm f2.8 which is sharp wide open. Will I get it? Eventually. Maybe? I hope Canon brings the EF40mm f/2.8 as an RF version, using the same optics.

[@EverythingCameFromNothing]

They charts on optical limits show that it has great image quality wide open. I’m confused why this review says that it isn’t starp 🤔 🤷‍♂️

[@gregmccarthycronulla]

I have the lens. I bought it for my cycle pack trips to shoot from my bike with the R6 MkII while riding. Very lightweight combo. The lens works exceptionally well for this type of on the go action photography. Works well on my R3 as well. Very happy with it.

[@jgates]

8:18 I don't recognize the blue bird icon from any current social media companies. (kidding...) Great information about this lens. Makes me want to buy one.

[@VolleyballLyfe]

Would you use a lens hood with this?

[@NekoFever]

Those portraits awakened something in me.

[@NizarNoor]

I love this lens on my EOS R

[@hanmariuspettersen]

Hoping for a RF 40mm pancake in the future as well!

[@GungKrisna12]

Or attach that lens to APS-C camera and you will get about 45mm focal length in 35mm equivalent

[@simonmaduxx6777]

@@GungKrisna12 Yeah it's the equivalent until you get close and see how that equivalency doesn't really work A 35 on crop is nowhere close to a 35 on full frame, even at f2. At least for cannons 1.6 X

[@EverythingCameFromNothing]

Unfortunately, i think the shorter flange distance means that a RF 40mm pancake may not cover the entire frame without extreme vignetting on full frame…. Should be ok for crop sensors though 🤔

[@hanmariuspettersen]

@@EverythingCameFromNothing True! Lots of funky optical elements in the 28mm. Maybe they can make some magic happen with a longer focal length even if it becomes a thicc pancake.

[@ABRouleauville]

One game I play when watching Jordan & Chris videos is recognizing the filming locations - knew the sun-dial at Elliston Park early in this one. ( enjoyed the content too ... ! )

[@mahakalax108]

i love ur humor :)

[@ghilesbardi]

28mm focal length is my favorite =) But I hope that was a 1.8 macro IS...

[@kadragepictures]

how is the image quality compared to a fujifilm xf 35mm?

[@cornlourd]

Wish these were WRs like the small fujis.

[@ryanm2628]

Seems they're following up the Nikon Z 26mm 2.8 (which I like!)

[@norabatty1767]

I'd like to see more of Chris skate-boarding

[@morvegil]

I have it. It's fun

[@frankluo230]

Every other review i have seen praised this little gem's sharpness. It is reported to be sharper than both 35f1.8 rf and 24f1.8 rf at f2.8 How come yoir copy has sharpness of soft spread butter at f2.8

[@philipphill9518]

That is what I was wondering about as well. TDP and Optical Limits in particular claim excellent optical performance in terms of sharpness, with the only real weaknesses being flares and vignetting.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

@@philipphill9518 If this is the case then there seems to be a greater copy to copy variation with those Canon lenses. Also the sensor resolution plays a role in those tests.

[@danielboulton922]

I’d love a canon lens that was F2 I’d buy that for sure.

[@trym2121]

This is pretty much your camera body cap lens. It's so light and compact to be a sleeper when you pack the heavy weight safely. Plastic lens element!? Overtime, Would it get oxidized and be yellow or muddy? As we know it, plastic isn't as stable as glass when it comes to oxidation + temperature due to sunlight

[@niccollsvideo]

I think it'll be ok. Most modern glass lenses have plenty of resin bonded aspherical elements. Plastic everywhere but I think it'll be fine.

[@MatthiasAI]

Ha! that zoom in down under got me.

[@robertoak4452]

The farmer bit had me cryin 😂

[@daniellindblom68]

I love 28mm. ❤

[@meyers323]

Oh cool, the day after I bought it!

[@romanpul]

I wonder how this compares to either the Nikon Z 28mm f/2,8 muffin, which is similar in price, but larger or the Z 26mm f/2,8 which is also a pancake but quite a bit more pricey

[@TasteofTaboo]

28mm is a super common lens in modern people / fashion photographie. just saying. Also to this regard f11 or something not wide open and small softboxes - means you can work with cheaper stuff XD

[@fonzeee1979]

I gave this lens a try, and whilst I liked it, around the same time in the UK the 35mm f1.8 IS macro was £5 more than this lens over Prime day... The 28mm is no longer in my kitbag and the 35mm already a firm favourite. Just my opinion (I wanted to love it but it's just not my old EF 40mm).

[@alhOOO2O]

Agreed - more 28s please people!

[@MyChevySonic]

If the center sharpness is good, when you throw it on an r10/7, the sharpness is across the frame.

[@kunstfuhrer]

Jordan as a farmer was bloody amazing, thank you guys for that 😅

[@AlexBuckMaurer]

Intersting that there is no mention of the distortion. I have shot ALOT of 28mm lenses on Leica M and these often need very little correction in post. But just like on the Leica Q series, this lens is actually a little wider than 28mm and has quite alot of distortion. Straight lines become bowed/concave. If you turn off lens correction in LR/C1 you will see this. The issue with this is that it makes the images look like they were shot more of a wide angle than 28mm usually is considered. This is an issue if you place anything near the edge. An arm or a face or anything will look very wide. If you turn corrections off, you will see that it is not cause by the lens, but by correction the image very much. To me it was a deal-breaker and i sold the lens again right away. The size and IQ is fine, but the final image suffered to much from the distortion.

[@simonmaduxx6777]

This is the info that doesn't get focused on enough, imho. Lenses usually have an issue or two, but when its as blatant as this lens...it should be explicitly and clearly communicated to prospective customers. There hasn't been enough conversation about canon especially designing lenses with obvious flaws, and DEPENDING on software correction to make up the difference. They are already saving a ton of money with plastic optics, no hoods included, and slow lenses...not enough folks are talking about it. Cheers, be well.

[@AlexBuckMaurer]

@@simonmaduxx6777 I agree. It’s sad tendency from canon that all there non-l wider lenses seem to build on this idea of just correcting in post.

[@whippedcreampictures]

how pronounced is the focusing sound and the extending of the lens? is it unusable for candid street photography?

[@NerdAffiliated]

Was thinking of buying a small point and shoot, for my honeymoon. But, I think I'll just go with this lens.

[@neilmarshall9408]

I wonder how it would compare to a 24mm f2.8 or 40mm Efs/Ef pancake lenses🤔

[@rumrill5020]

I have the 40mm EF and 28mm RF. The 40mm EF adapted to my RP was much softer outside of the center of the frame.

[@wendysburgers4326]

It's sharp for it's price specially on a tiny glass body

[@ekjellgren]

Nice outfit on Chris today!

[@aidenmcgeehan428]

Mine comes in today! I'm excited to give it a shot on my R8!

[@krishnakumarr9619]

Wish we had pancakes on the L mount. a 35 2.8 perhaps