Before You Buy - RF 28-70mm f2 L USM

If you’re thinking of buying the Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L USM then this is the video for you! There’s no doubt about it, this is the best zoom lens currently on the market. From clarity and sharpness to its amazing constant f2 aperture and amazing low light performance this lens takes quality and performance to a new level. But quality costs money and the RF 28-70mm f2 L is a significant investment. The question is, is it a lens you want or need? In this video I’m going to go over my thoughts on this lens after using it for the last several months and give you my honest opinions on who this lens is for and if it’s worth putting your hard earned money. Thanks for watching.
⚡ WATCH NEXT
→ Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L First Impressions • Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L ...
→ NiSi Mist Filters vs Tiffen Pro Mist Filters • NiSi Mist Filters vs T...
→ Before You Buy - Canon RF 24-105mm f4 L IS USM • Before You Buy - Canon...
🧲 LINKS
BLOG POST → vaskoobscura.com/blog/rf-28-7...
ONLINE SHOP → vaskoobscura.com/shop
TWITTER → / vaskoobscura_
INSTAGRAM → / vaskoobscura_
🚀 EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO
Canon EOS R5 - amzn.to/3snWNve
⭐Canon RF 28-70mm f2 L - amzn.to/3V4nN28
Canon RF 24-105mm f4 L IS - amzn.to/3mOfLu2
Canon RF 85mm f1.2 L - amzn.to/32iplMb
Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM - amzn.to/32fkIma
Canon EF 35mm f1.4L II - amzn.to/2QoRrCO
Tiffen Pro Mist 1/8 - amzn.to/3uYDXMs
NiSi Swift Filter Kit - amzn.to/3OsGCJT
Sennheiser AVX ME2 LAV - amzn.to/2T2kj5D
Atomos Ninja V - amzn.to/3zH9IiM
⏩ CHAPTERS
0:00 - Introduction
0:34 - On The Fence About This Lens
2:11 - Weight
3:29 - Filter Cost
4:44 - Autofocus
5:32 - Zoom Range
7:03 - Sharpness
8:52 - Bokeh
10:54 - Is it Good For Video?
13:10 - Is it a Studio Lens
16:13 - Who is This Lens For?
23:03 - Final Thoughts
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[@vaskoobscura_]

Blog post here. I have sample photos on my webpage. www.vaskoobscura.com/blog/rf-28-70mm-f2-l-usm-before-you-buy If you found this video useful leave a comment help me grow this channel :)

[@Justhitupdman]

As a automotive photographer, this lens is ideal! Two of my favorite focal lengths are 35 and 50 with a F2 👌🏼

[@vaskoobscura_]

I can see this lens being really good for automotive work. You definitely can't get too wide or too long for car shots.

[@adnmultimedia]

Stop right there, yes it’s worth every penny!

[@vaskoobscura_]

hahahahaha. The lens is a beauty. Thanks for the comment.

[@etuoyo]

Exactly

[@supernupe]

Facts lol

[@charlesjames9783]

I’ve used the EF-24-70 f2.8. It was a workhorse for Weddings and events. When I moved to R5 I bought the 28-70. Then I sold the others. It is beautiful. Very sharp and renders like a prime. I don’t hardly use my primes now.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Its soft and hazy at f2 at 45mp, wish I hadnt got one

[@jonathan1192]

Keep up the great work! This is quality content with loads of informative information!!

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thank you really appreciate it. I try to give honest real world perspectives in my reviews.

[@onlysublime]

where I learned the beauty of this lens (and there's no equivalent lens on any other platform) was on a recent trip. I'm also a prime lover. So on my previous trips, I brought my 16, 24, 35, and 85. So I was CONSTANTLY having to change lenses. Because I had to pack light for the trip, I didn't have room for my traditional camera bag. I had my briefcase bag and a carry-on and that's it. Switching for the crowded, fast situations I was in was a big pain. I ended up leaving uncapped lenses in my bag to speed up switching lenses. but with the 28-70, I was bold and I left all the other lenses (except for the 35) at home. I kept the 35 because I wanted a light do-it-all lens. My bag was light and I didn't have the pressure of switching lenses. It also made traveling easier, especially passing through airport security. And the 28-70 is the best zoom ever. There is no lens like it. It looks like a prime but gives you so much flexibility. Now, if I was shooting locally, I would probably still stick to my primes (like the 85 1.2 is next level) but on a trip, having a lens that just stays on and produce the premium quality of this lens is just amazing.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks for sharing your story. It's interesting to hear the you found the 28-70 a good travel lens. What kind of travel were you doing? Was it location studio shoots or were you doing the tourist thing walking around with the camera? I agree with what you said about the quality of the lens. It really is the best zoom lens in it's range ever made. Appreciate the comment. Welcome to the channel.

[@onlysublime]

@@vaskoobscura_ I was in Boston to have a few shoots around Harvard/MIT, Fenway Park, etc. for a calendar.

[@spinnetti]

@@onlysublime I was just in Boston for the first time with this lens too just talking walk-around shots. I think this lens was for me, as I wasn't going to carry multiple lenses.

[@michelleguzmanphoto]

So helpful!!!!

[@vaskoobscura_]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iliebogolean1744]

Thank you Bro very insightful 🫡📸💡

[@vaskoobscura_]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment.

[@pierricchauveteau776]

Thank you for this video. I aslo have this lens for a year now and kind of understand your point regarding f2 versus f1.z yet still feel it does amazing pictures. But’like you yes acknowledge it’s not the same as prime lenses. Regarding 65 mm vs 70 mm never thought about this but it’s quite easy to check by comparing with a 70-200 at 70.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the comment. This really is a fantastic lens. The quality and versatility is the big win with this lens. I hear rumors that Canon is working on another f2 zoom somewhere in the wider zoom range. That would be pretty cool.

[@Sander--ky8kf]

I love it for it's versatility, especially for fast paced stuff, like events and weddings. For the portraits I use it for the 35/50 shots, but I'll have the 85 and 70-200 (EF mark 1 ghehe) on a second body for the compression/subject isolation. I dropped the 35 and 50, those have a bit more bokeh but not having to change lenses...saves time. Bokeh-wise it's good except for specular highlights, then the bokeh gets quite busy. It's a compromise, an expensive and heavy one, but a good compromise. For the absolute wow-factor I'll pull the 85 out of the bag. That thing is fan-tas-tic. It struggles a bit with strong backlit situations but otherwise: wow. Tip for the 35/50: look at the Sigma Art ones. 90+% of the performance for ±400 euro second hand and they'll work great with the EF-adapter.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Totally agree with everything you said. That 28-70 does have a few tradeoffs but compaired to other zoom lenses the tradeoffs are definitely worth it. I do the same thing with my 85 1.2. ifi really want to wow the client it really has impressive character. Thanks for the comment.

[@Sander--ky8kf]

Even against the primes the tradeoffs are mostly worth it. In many cases the difference between 1.4 and 2.0 isn't that pronounced that I'll give up the versatility. And with the r6 being to do 12800 comfortably 2.0 in many cases is fine. I understand the 24-70 plus the primes but for me the 28-70 makes a very good all rounder :)@@vaskoobscura_

[@kevanray]

I shoot very niche fitness photography. I'm almost always in dark gyms trying to shoot at 1/800-1/1600 shutter speeds. I started by trying to swap between primes but quickly gave up as things just happen way to quickly. The standard f/2.8 glass just isn't fast enough to limit ISO noise and action photos just come out grainy and washed out. This 28-70mm lens gives me the upper hand thanks to the faster aperture and variable focal length. The only two negatives I've run into are how heavy this behemoth is and how expensive filters are for it. This lens replaced the primes I was running around with. Now I can focus more on the work and less on the equipment. Being in an active gym means I'm always limited on space so having a zoom lens that can still capture more light in the dark was a true game changer. I find the 50mm-70mm focal lengths perfect for capturing the split seconds that an athlete is exploding in their movements. It's a way to etch those amazing moments into a picture that can be admired for the rest of time. Then 28-49mm are there for snapping wider shots of the gym/arena/groups of athletes. This lens is a true workhorse but make sure your arm and wrist is in shape before going out for a long shoot. There's always a trade off.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks for the comment really appreciated. Agree with you the weight and the filter cost are the two negatives but everything else is a win. I used to shoot a bunch of gym fitness so I totally get where you are coming from. Primes are hard to use in that kind of fast environment.

[@kevinlancaster3200]

Pleased to have found your channel! Being quite new to photography but jumping right in, i brought the R6 and a 70-200L lens, both seem amazing. I was heading towards the 28-70 f2 as my next purchase... Then i bumped into your review... It's made me pause! It's dificult to say what type of photographer i am, i'm loving taking all types. If i look at what i take most, its currently pictures and video of my two girls on their pony's. Navigating what to buy is quite tricky and zoom lenses seemed to cover a lot of bases, but you've thrown a curve ball thats upset my logic. Do you have any tips on how to make the best choices at this early stage of my photographic journey? Kev

[@AKSKMY]

So far you are the only review that mentioned the RF24-105 F4L which I have right now. I do do video work as well with gimbal so not sure if I should trade it for the RF28-70 F2... Also still holding on to the EF24-70 F2.8 which has been slightly hard to sell atm in my area.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thank you for the comment. Appreciated. The one thing to keep in mind is that you're going to need a gimbal with strong motors to handle the 28-70. It's a heavy lens. The only thing the 28-70 is better at in video is bokeh and shooting in low light. So if those are things that matter to you than it's worth the upgrade. Also keep in mind that 95mm filters for the 28-70 are also really expensive. You'll probably need to spend $700 - $1000 to built a proper video filter set for the lens.

[@armandsaavedra3298]

love this video, after watching i think im going to invest in some primes instead of the zoom

[@vaskoobscura_]

Ya this lens is good but you can only get that true prime look with prime lenses. Thanks for the comment.

[@lilianpetrom7216]

Hello. I can recommend for myself what I would choose: 85mm f1.2 or 28-70mmf2. I want to tell you that I am not a photographer at weddings or events, only tourism on excursions, walks with my family and friends.

[@vaskoobscura_]

For that you shoot the 28-70mm makes more sense because it gives you more versatility. The 85mm is a portrait lens, not really a good focal length to capture environments. Thanks for the comment.

[@303badassboxer]

This thing crushes for sports with the R3

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks for the comment :) It's an awesome lens.

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

Interesting findings. I found this lens to focus slow compared to all my other RF lenses. And the tracking of subjects was weak. Wedding party walking down the aisle on an r6ii was poor. Locking focus on a person telling a story or a speech at a wedding it would just loose focus. And you can forget tracking somebody dancing at a wedding. Now this was a lens i got to test drive from canon Canada. Maybe there was a problem with my copy. As for image quality it’s one of the best.

[@vaskoobscura_]

I have never experienced any of those issues yet. The AF isn't prime lens fast but it's not slow. Maybe the copy you got had an issue with the motor? That would be my guess. Sorry you didn't have a good experience with it. Appreciate the comment and the input.

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

@@vaskoobscura_ never mind primes. My rf 70-200 and rf 24-70 are ten fold faster at tracking and staying in subject. I was shocked.

[@spinnetti]

hmm. I have the R6M2 also, and no focus problems here.

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

@@spinnetti it was something I borrowed from Canon professional services, so maybe I got a bad copy. Maybe it needed a firmware update.

[@marcosuozzi]

Thank you so much Vasko for this Video. In past I had to choose between this lens or a house for my family 😂😂😂 But I really would like to have one of theese 28-70. I have the RF 24-70 and I'm happy too.i

[@vaskoobscura_]

hahahahah. a house. The 24-70 is a fantastic lens as well. Can't go wrong with either lens.

[@greekjoker127]

That lens is a beast!

[@vaskoobscura_]

It sure is. The images you can get with it are amazing.

[@WavyFBaby]

I’m debating whether I should buy this lens or the new rf 24-105 2.8. They’re both very expensive so I’d love to get your opinion. I’ll be using the lens for portraits and weddings but worried about the difference between f2.0 and f2.8. Thoughts? Thank you!

[@AKSKMY]

I traded the RF24-105 kit lens for the RF24-105 F4L. Definitely better for lighting BUT I feel it has this breathing focus behaviour which makes me on the fence whether I should trade again for the RF28-70 but it would be like a like 2.5K topup so...

[@vaskoobscura_]

Short answer the 28-70mm is what I would choose. Long answer, I don't know what lenses you have or don't have but for wedding and portrait work I would not bother with zoom lenses. Prime lenses are the way to go. 35mm, 50mm and 85mm is all you need. The only time I use a zoom lens at a wedding is during the ring ceremony because that can happen fast and you don't have time to change lenses. After that it's all primes. The other thing to consider is aperture. If you are shooting with flash/strobs than you're stopping your lens down anyway so it doesn't matter if you have a fast lens. But if you are shooting with natural light than again primes are better. The EF 35mm f1.4 is still amazing I use it all the time on my R5. The old EF 50mm f1.2L can be bought used on ebay for great value and the same with the EF 85mm f1.2 L. You can build out a great kit of primes instead of going for the expensive fancy zooms. Another thing to keep in mind is that the 28-70 has a 95mm filter so buying a polarizer or VND or Mist filter for that lens is really expensive. Hope that helps.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks so much for the comment. Much appreciated.

[@AKSKMY]

@@vaskoobscura_ Yup currently I have - Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II IS USM - Canon EF 16-35mm F4L IS USM - Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6L IS USM - Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM - Canon EF 85mm F1.4 IS USM - Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM - SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM (Wildlife and Airshow stuff haha)

[@jeanladouceur4223]

Now there is a new player in the room. The RF 24-105 mm 2.8 A game changer

[@vaskoobscura_]

That new 24-105 looks really sweet. I like what Canon did there. It would be a lot of fun to test both lenses against each other. Thanks for the comment.

[@PatrikSkiffardFoto]

Just got back to photography, got the R5 and leaned towards this one, but got the 24-70 2.8f instead for IS and to save 900$ and I find myself shooting mostly 24-50 😅

[@vaskoobscura_]

24-50, If you like wider shots then 24-70 is a better option. Sometimes the 28mm feels so limiting. 24-70 is an amazing lens as well. Canon has been making some amazing lenses recently. Thanks for the comment.

[@PatrikSkiffardFoto]

@vaskoobscura_ yeah, it really is, iwe been going back and forth, and toon a turn, and probably gonna go for the 70-200 2.8f just to cover more focal length, had one of the first generations EF version and that was amazing for al types of photography, and the RF version seems sick tbh!

[@muhammadrizqi9431]

I shoot with this lens at F11 and the results are amazing

[@vaskoobscura_]

The DOF really opens up around there. I'm sure it captures a lot of detail.

[@jrmandrial]

Love mine. No regrets.

[@vaskoobscura_]

It's a beautiful lens. Thanks for the comment and welcome to the channel.

[@Petra_mojo]

I just bought it on eos r for video and saw focus breathing😢not sure if better camera is going to fix it or no? Thanks

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks for the comment. Focus breathing has nothing to do with the camera it's your lens. You have to research your lens. Some lenses are better for video than others.

[@lilianpetrom7216]

I have a canon R8 and if it will work well with an ef-rf adapter with an EF 85mm f 1.2 lens, is it ok?

[@vaskoobscura_]

Yes absolutely. All the old Canon EF lenses work perfectly on the RF bodies. I have an old EF 85mm f1.2 and used it on my EOS R for wedding work with no problems.

[@lilianpetrom7216]

@@vaskoobscura_ Thank you

[@lilianpetrom7216]

@@vaskoobscura_ Lens EF 85mm f1.2 and RF 85mm f1.2 almost the same autofocus and clarity?

[@dasnicholas]

At 4:35, you say to get a "Miz Filter," what kind of filter are you talking about?

[@mauriciopaiz745]

Mist filter. Various options, with matte box / polar pro basecamp or the nano one but doesn’t use a hood. Or circular threaded.

[@darylcheshire1618]

heavy, I had the EF 24-70mm 2.8L, it was a good lens but heavy, I often left it at home. When I got the R5, I was hesitant to use this lens with an adapter. I sold the lens and got the RF 24-105mm f/4L. I’m not a pro. Funny thing, I found that I was averaging to 50mm so when I visited Adelaide, I just took the nifty fifty.

[@toddlower5546]

I'm still a little bit on the fence. If it was a 35-85 f2 it would be perfect. Nobody's ever satisfied.

[@Shaari]

Yes! I'd pay big money for this lens and stop lugging around two bodies with an 85mm and 35mm

[@vaskoobscura_]

Totally with you on that a 35-85 would be perfect. That would be a perfect zoom range for a lot of things.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

I find it a bit soft at f2 So if you have to stop down it defeats the whole point of buying it in the first place. It just about copes at 45mp. Wish I hadnt bought it. Im going back to Sony next I'll re buy the 50mm 1.2 and 85 1.4 GM lenses which I was happier with.

[@vaskoobscura_]

You must have a bad copy. I don't have that issue at all. It's always easy to say the grass is greener on the other side but Sony has it's issues too.

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

bigger filter >> bigger glass material >> more cost for manufaturing may be ..... You might need to test side by side with 24 - 70 mm in term of the actual field of view @ 70 mm , I would love to see it . Cheers

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks for the comment. IT is bigger glass but the markup is crazy. The old EF 24-70 was my go-to lens back in the day but I would like to get my hands on the new RF 24-70 and compare it with the RF 28-70. That would be a fun video.

[@holylandisrael9945]

Small event . baptism. Ring ceremony. It’s good 28-70?

[@vaskoobscura_]

Absolutely you can use this lens for those events. It's great in low light as well so you may not even have to use flash depending in the lighting at the venue.

[@JJohnson313]

The eye sees the world at 42mm

[@vaskoobscura_]

42mm close to 50. Thanks for letting me know. Appreciate the comment.

[@gregaman16]

Dude srsly… u say u are professional photographer and then u ask yourself if this lens is gona make your portfolio better? First of all photographer is making portfolio better not equipment, it does help, yes, but if u have no feeling what is good photo then, nothing can help u. Second, this lens is out of this world, applications in weddings or sport photography are immense. so i dont know what kind of photography is your area but apparently u dont know how to use this lense! in my opinion this is lens u want to have if u are working in sports, weddings, concerts or reportage/news photography. for me it has 2/3 conns, 1 its not as wide if u were used to 24/70, 2 its heavy but only because conn 3 zoom ring is on the wrong position, if it would be at focus position it wouldn’t be noticeable as much as it is now

[@FranciscoAlvarezTV]

Bruh, I can shoot an entire wedding on that thing. It’s definitely for wedding photographers.

[@vaskoobscura_]

I gotta update the video I totally agree. this is a perfect wedding lens and the pictures look amazing.

[@helloianzakharov]

I have a feeling this guy doesn’t make any difference between bokeh and out of focus blur

[@vaskoobscura_]

? Thanks for the comment.

[@lansiman]

people are weird, they want professional results, but they complaint weight, then they rather had multiple prime which is heavier and clumsier to use. those who sing light weight and praise system like m4/3, look at what happen to m4/3 platform right now, and exactly how many professional use it, even casual user don't use it that much after the initial period

[@vaskoobscura_]

I agree with your comment. As consumers we can always want things and hope that manufactures can make them but with this lens I don't think it could be much more compact then it already is.

[@lansiman]

@@vaskoobscura_ those smaller format system, couple with typically stingy aperture size, produce results that are very similar looking to phone camera, i feel that is why these smaller format system can't differentiate itself enough for consumer to not use their phone camera instead, without professional result it will be a long painful death

[@jamescook5931]

Obviously, you are not impressed with this Canon lens despite the hype.

[@vaskoobscura_]

Image quality is amazing but at the same time people want what they don't have so that drives hype.

[@F15IDriver]

ugh those transitions....but good video

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks for the comment. Most people enjoy the unique look but to each their own. I welcome all input.

[@markshamilton]

Sorry but artistic unique images aren’t reliant on the lens you use be it a zoom or a prime. Artistic images are reliant on the vision of the photographer. Clients don’t care what lens you use, super bokeh is so cliche these days. Make some art with a holga toy camera and your clients will still love you and your portfolio will rock.

[@daves_not_h3r3_man44]

Not good for weddings? You lost me there... No one would shoot sports with this... Is this a serious review?

[@vaskoobscura_]

? Maybe you miss understood something in the video this is an amazing wedding lens.

[@Lubo54]

YOUR LENS THROWING IS TOTALLY EMBARRASSING 👎👎👎

[@vaskoobscura_]

Thanks for the comment.

[@CZOV]

Concerts and Indoor Sports

[@vaskoobscura_]

This lens would be great for those types of shoots for sure. Thanks for the comment.