RF Pancake vs RF Macro | 28mm & 35mm

Two of Canon's smallest offerings, the RF 28mm F2.8 STM and RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM are both great affordable lenses that share many similarities. Choosing between them can be tricky so I share a few of the things I would consider if I had to choose one over the other.
Earlier 28mm Reviews:
RF 28mm: • Small & Mighty 💪Canon ...
EF 28mm: • Sigma EF 28mm f/1.4 DG...
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0:00 - Canon RF 28mm or Canon RF 35mm?
0:22 - Similarities
1:39 - Astrophotography
2:59 - Macro Photography
3:33 - Lens Image Stabilization
4:24 - Field of View
6:04 - Maximum Aperture
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On Instagram - @dan.yosua
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[@DanYosua]

Which lens are you grabbing?

[@guitarintune408]

Id go for the 35 :)

[@peterebel7899]

I own both: the 28 is just stellar! (as long as you don't go Macro)

[@lb7144]

I’m working on both to pair with my RF 50mm

[@easyjet4299]

None of them. I just bought a used Canon 17-40/4L EF. I use it on my R5 with an EF/RF adapter, and I must admit that it is surprisingly sharp (for a zoom lens, of course) and covers all the focal lengths I use. I believe it's underrated.

[@DanYosua]

I was looking at that lens in the past but never ended up trying it, glad it’s working though!

[@robigerovasilisphotography]

I owned the 35mm and bought myself the 28mm yesterday. I think they both serve different purposes and both will be staying in my collection. I love all of Canon's budget range of lenses and will get them all.

[@DanYosua]

For those who like both lengths, it might be pretty normal to own both for a long period. They really have filled out the budget primes recently!

[@gregmonforton4103]

One issue with 24 or 28mm is that's where modern phone cameras live. When I got my Canon RP the 35mm was definitely my favourite, but now I use an R7 and it's my least used lens in favour of the 24mm. 16mm for landscapes (I'm in the mountains), 50mm for indoor concert shots, 24mm for most everything else (on APS-C R7). If I get back to full frame it'll be 24mm landscape, 35mm general, and the 16mm and 50mm will probably stay at home. IS on the 24mm and 35mm makes a big difference to me, I'm not sure if I could favour a non-IS lens especially without IBIS.

[@DanYosua]

I've slowly drifted to the 28mm's for that reason, 35mm continuously feels a little tight when hiking for landscape. And 28 still does a lot of time, but while I like 24mm for that, I don't like 24mm as a multipurpose length or for a-roll. Great point about the phones! I was just shooting some mountains in CO, only brought the 100-400mm on a hike, and I was using the ~24mm on the phone as a companion to that lens pretty heavy.

[@sethnielsen3325]

Why is it an issue that 24-28 is where “phones live”. I wasn’t clear from the text that followed to me 😅

[@DanYosua]

@@sethnielsen3325 It's not an "issue" in a real sense, but most likely you'll have some overlap with the focal length of your main, wide phone lens. So it's something to consider if you're looking to go with the 28mm as part of the smallest form factor option. Your phone is close in look, the quality is catching up, and will be even smaller/lighter.

[@marcioventura3135]

Great video and voice too! Very informative! Can you help me decide which lenses I should buy? I'm planning to get a Canon R6 and can afford either the RF 24-105mm f/4 or prime lenses with the same budget. I'm a filmmaker shooting rock concerts, portraits, and short films. In a similar experience with a 24-105mm, I mostly used the 85mm. I currently own a 24mm for small concerts, but I'm torn between the zoom's versatility and the primes' potential. Any advice for my filmmaking needs in small venues and concerts? Thanks!

[@DanYosua]

Thanks!

[@marijanbabic9742]

I tried them both and 35mm seemed sharper on a Canon RP body, indoors, with relatively good light. Didn't spend to much time with it so it can be conclusive

[@DanYosua]

I've had them together for several months at this point and the 35mm for years, but I haven't tried to do much scientific testing with sharpness. I think most people tend to agree with you though and it might be even more clear on the higher megapixel bodies. They're both pretty decent in the middle wide open and around f8 which is primarily how I use them. I tend to notice some more green fringing with the 35mm, but nothing uncorrectable.

[@PHILGOODOK1]

Hello and thank you for this video and beautiful photos. I have a Canon RP, and do you think the RF 24 will be better in terms of image rendering than the RF 28 ? Knowing that I don't take Macro photos or videos so no need for stabilization ... Thank you in advance for your response. Kind regards, Philgood ...

[@DanYosua]

I haven't used it myself yet, but it seems that the 24mm is one of the weaker performing among the small primes. Unless you really want the fast aperture as wide as 24mm, then the 28mm is a great fit for the RP/R8 bodies!

[@PHILGOODOK1]

@@DanYosua thank you very much for your answer; friendly. Philgood

[@peterebel7899]

I own both: the 28 is just stellar! (as long as you don't go Macro)

[@DanYosua]

Lotta double owners out here!

[@theeverydayadventurer]

Hey! You climb! I actually started looking into getting into more serious photography because I do multi-pitch climbing and have been adventuring to more remote areas. Have you ever done photography on a wall?

[@DanYosua]

I've bouldered indoors long ago but wasn't good and didn't love it 😅 So I just shoot the climbers now haha. I'd figure you'd want something as small/light as possible?

[@guitarintune408]

For astro, stop down and use a tracker mount instead. Make 120 to 180 second exposures and get better results.

[@DanYosua]

Great point, I'd love to mess with one, but haven't accepted going down the astro rabbit hole yet.

[@antoniomata1686]

I am going on a trip to alaska, and i have a canon rf 50. I have the 16mm prime and 50mm. Im wondering if i should splurge on a 24-105f4 L or get a 28 or 35. Do you have any advice??

[@antoniomata1686]

Also thinking I'm probably fine with the lens, and I should buy a sleeve instead, extra battery and memory card lol

[@DanYosua]

First, very jealous, have fun! Alaska is slowly working its way up my list. When in doubt, wait it out! Those are two great lengths to have for that trip when using the R50 if going with primes. Minimal lens switching, wide and tight. If you already need some accessories, maybe it's a good time to simply add those and take mental notes while on the trip about what you like and don't like from a focal length perspective. If you find you want something in the middle with IS, consider the 35mm afterwards. Personally that's the type of trip I love to bring the 24-105 L on for the versatility. Obviously that lens is a big investment compared to what you have, so you'll know best if it's within the budget and how often you'll use it.

[@annacevedo6477]

I also have the r50 and going to Alaska next year. Doing some research for lens because I’m a very beginner

[@MamadTajik]

Do you think I should buy this lens (28mm) for street video? Is the focus speed good?

[@DanYosua]

Focus is pretty good, but no IS if you like shooting short video clips. I don’t hold it against the lens but def something to note when using with bodies like the RP and R8

[@MamadTajik]

@@DanYosua I have R6 MII. Do you think these lenses are good? I do not meet the problem of focus in filming?

[@DanYosua]

Oh yeah, in that case, I would choose based on your budget and focal length preference. Having IBIS will be nice if you go 28mm just so you have it.

[@MamadTajik]

@@DanYosua I didn't get my full answer but thanks a lot anyway

[@pr4y]

RF 24mm STM 1.8 and croping a little bit to match 28 or 35mm :D !!! seriously the 28 formfactor is just perfect with a RP or R8, fitting in a jacket's pocket... I'm still wondering why i'm keeping the RF 35 1.8 STM + RF 50 1.8 while having already the 28-70 F2, so considering the RF28mm.... well well well

[@DanYosua]

Having the R8 with the little lenses has been a great experience so far!

[@andriimartynov83]

I’ve got both. Love them.

[@DanYosua]

Have you tried the 24mm?

[@andriimartynov83]

@@DanYosua unfortunately not. According the reviews it is not as sharp as 35mm or 28mm. And 24mm is too wide for me. I’ve noticed that most of the time I’m shooting with one of my countless 50mm vintage primes. Lol

[@DanYosua]

@@andriimartynov83 😂I've seen similar as I've looked through them. Not a length I'm super excited about either, but still hoping to try it out and compare to the 28mm if I can.

[@andriimartynov83]

@@DanYosua yeah it’s gonna be an interesting comparison.

[@ryzenbiel4145]

wow love the 28mm 🔜 i will get one

[@DanYosua]

It's a neat one!

[@Stan_the_Belgian]

Don't know why but I just don't like the 35mm look, never have, despite the fuji rage

[@DanYosua]

Do you have a favorite?

[@manukello]

rf 28 - ugly distorshion in raw.

[@DanYosua]

I feel like it's not terrible for what it is. I haven't used the 16 or 24 yet, but those both seem like Canon relied on the corrections more heavily.

[@Aneliuse]

Its not that bad though…

[@arcian2519]

No difference

[@DanYosua]

🥴