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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: Thanks for your experience review

Dan W wrote:

JE River wrote:

BobNL wrote:

RDM5546 wrote:

Thank you for your report. I was wondering if it bothered some users. I think it would bother me. I love the exerience with the EF70-200f2.8L, I bought the original and the mk III version. I think I have shot more pictures with this lens than any other lens. This is in contrast with the EF100-400L original version with the push-pull zoom action. I really hated this zoom method from day one of using the lens and it never got any better for me. I never used as much as I could have. The newer EF100-400LMK II zoom action is so better. It now one my favorite lenses. I use both of these lenses is action sports where the shooting is chaotic. Zooming speed is vital. Have the two other RF trilogy lenses but I want to thank you for helping me decide to hold off and maybe use the money on an R5 if the reports of the real camera match the rumors. Using the adapters with the EOS is not a big deal for me. I do use this focal length with the EOS R as much as I do my 5D Mk IV due to the better camera handling I experience with that combination. When carrying two cameras I put the RF18-35mm on the EOS R body and the EF70-200f2.8 on the 5D. The EF lenses are great work well with the EOSR but the EROS R with two trilogy RF lenses I have seem to be a little faster focusing, have image stabilization and may focus better in low light.

You'Re welcome The more I think about it and work on the files the less I like the RF version. I may have had an off day but I don't like the results. It misses something I got with the EF version. I have been shooting this same event for years now (last year with R and EF version) and this year I'm seriously unhappy with the results. Normally this events gives me some of the best pictures of the year. The longer throw on the zoom is one reason I think but the other is the the lack of a certain something. The lens seems to be without character. Its very hard to quantify of course but for me the files seem so dull.

Even though I haven't used the lens, I feel the same way. The new lens just doesn't have the same "bite" (?) as the latest EF versions, even the f4 III. At least based on all the samples I've seen.

OK, got to ask, if you never used this lens how can you have an opinion on this lens??? Looking at other peoples images doesn't tell you how they worked them in post. The OP clearly has experience with both and I guess it doesn't work for him. He did the right thing by renting first.

yes, I'm very glad I did. And would advise anyone to do so before doing a purchase like this.

I have owned the original version of the 70-200 2.8 and now have the RF 70-200. Yes the throw is longer and stiffer, I personally don't see the lack of whatever he feels is missing, contrast maybe? Saturation? IDK but if he shoots raw. vs jpg? Maybe its a setup issue if in jpg. Is the camera/lens combo profiled in his post software?

I'm shooting RAW and have been trying the files in Lightroom, C1, and DxO. In all three I noticed the need to develop way more aggressive than I used to. It might be that the lens is almost too perfect. I can't find an obvious flaw but I also can't get excited from the files.

But the OP clearly stated the ergonomics doesn't work for him so by renting first and using in a real world shoot, he knows it doesn't work for him. So no point trying to trouble shoot the image quality issue he has with this lens.

I personally don't mind the differences and the lighter and smaller size trumps the disadvantages mentioned above.

Yep, if I could afford, I would have both. For my corporate work, the new one would be fantastic. Actually fairly disappointed as I was so looking forward to carrying a smaller bag

I felt the same way about the 70-300L when I decided to keep the 70-200 f4 L IS instead. The 70-300 always seemed like it had a weird haze, or something like an old analogue feel to it. Great lens, but didn't have the same magic of the 70-200 lens, IMO.

Still though, it was clearly the smart move on Canon's part to make a small and light 70-200 for the RF system. Especially when one can toss a new generation 70-200 EF on there with an adapter.

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