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A very mixed experience with the RF 70-200 f2.8

Started Feb 2, 2020 | Discussions thread
OP BobNL Veteran Member • Posts: 5,196
Re: A very mixed experience with the RF 70-200 f2.8

Jack Jian wrote:

Unfortunately, under stress, the lens turned out not to be what I hoped for. The first big problem is the throw of the zoom ring. It's too long and stiff.

Because everyone has adapted to the short throw of the previous lenses, for some, it may be difficult at first, but with regular usage, I believe it should be fine once its saved in your muscle memory.

It probably will but I would require a different technique. My thumb was just going up and down to go from 70 to 200 to make my composition. Made it very fast to compose.

Secondly, the lens was slow to operate. Switching from one couple to another was taking up so much time. It took way too long until it focused on the next subject. As if it made a very smooth focus pull for video.

That was not expected, hopefully it's the copy or probably user error. Most reviewers and user claims it to be one of fastest AF lens as it has two AF motors. Also, I have seen post on shooting BIF along z-axis with it and it performs without hiccup.

Yes in itself I found the focus indeed to be very fast. It might be that R was simply not up to it. When I changed the subject, going from one couple to the next, there was each and every time some delay. It happened in all AF settings, with the limiter on and off. Unfortunately, I can't test further as it was just a rental.

Recommended test:
1. Set the AF limiter to 2.5 to Infinity.
2. In dark environment:
- Set the AF Method to Single Point/Expand and use touch drag AF to position point over subject.
- Set AF Mode to One Shot - AF on subject moving along x & y axis is non-issue. For z- axis, AI Servo with AF Method - Expand Area / Around or 1-point if you can keep up with your thumb should be great.

I hope you try the above setup and see positive change. There is a learning involved but it's not hard.

it is very neutral and therefore lacks some character. The files felt a bit emotionless.

Agree on this one, although I am not expert in this I kinda notice it.

Maybe it is optically just too perfect

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