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Canon RF 28-70 F/2 L

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cpharm86

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There hasn’t been a lot of discussions on the RF 28-70 lately with all the new stuff from Canon surfacing.

About a year ago I went to my local camera store and tested the RF-28-70. One of the reasons I didn’t buy it was for the size and weight compared to my EF 24-70 2.8L ii. (of course price was a consideration also)

Well, I am back to the RF 28-70 consideration again. I don’t think I want to keep the 24-70 if I purchase the 28-70.

Has anyone that bought the RF 28-70 and had the EF 24-70 2.8L ii keep them both? Any regrets either not keeping them both if you sold the 24-70 and are you happy with the RF 28-70?
 
cpharm86 said:
There hasn’t been a lot of discussions on the RF 28-70 lately with all the new stuff from Canon surfacing.

About a year ago I went to my local camera store and tested the RF-28-70. One of the reasons I didn’t buy it was for the size and weight compared to my EF 24-70 2.8L ii. (of course price was a consideration also)

Well, I am back to the RF 28-70 consideration again. I don’t think I want to keep the 24-70 if I purchase the 28-70.

Has anyone that bought the RF 28-70 and had the EF 24-70 2.8L ii keep them both? Any regrets either not keeping them both if you sold the 24-70 and are you happy with the RF 28-70?
Click to expand...
The 28-70 is incomparable.

For its list price of $3100, it's saved me from buying $9,450 worth of fast prime lenses (Canon MSRP).
  • RF 85mm f/1.2 (non-DS, although I'd probably buy the DS, +$300)
  • RF 50mm f/1.2
  • EF 35mm f/1.4 II
  • EF 28mm f/1.4 (Sigma)
  • EF 24mm f/1.4 II
Plus it saves me another $2400 if I were to add in the RF 24-70 f/2.8L (which I'd also need alongside those primes).

Seriously. I had the Joneses HARD for the RF 50mm f/1.2 and RF 85mm f/1.2 (and also had the need for excellent high-speed wide angle lenses too). I was all prepared to buy them, and more!

Then the RF 28-70 hit my radar, and the rest was history. I have no desire to buy any of those primes (or RF 24-70 f/2.8) any longer.

I shoot a lot of events and sports, and this baby just nails it. The zoom range is right on, the AF is fast and sure, the rendition is as heavenly as any other premium L. The DOF isn’t as shallow of course, but that can actually be a detriment for this kind of shooting. If I want max DOF control, I have my Siggy 135mm f/1.8 anyways, and RF 70-200 f/2.8 for longer stuff (plus the sweet RF 15-35 f/2.8 for the U/W range).

IMHO the only real down-side of the 28-70 might be its size. I don’t mind it for event or sports or portrait shooting, but I wouldn’t want to carry it while just walking about, or for travel. YMMV!

R2
 
R2D2 said:
cpharm86 said:
There hasn’t been a lot of discussions on the RF 28-70 lately with all the new stuff from Canon surfacing.

About a year ago I went to my local camera store and tested the RF-28-70. One of the reasons I didn’t buy it was for the size and weight compared to my EF 24-70 2.8L ii. (of course price was a consideration also)

Well, I am back to the RF 28-70 consideration again. I don’t think I want to keep the 24-70 if I purchase the 28-70.

Has anyone that bought the RF 28-70 and had the EF 24-70 2.8L ii keep them both? Any regrets either not keeping them both if you sold the 24-70 and are you happy with the RF 28-70?
Click to expand...
The 28-70 is incomparable.

For its list price of $3100, it's saved me from buying $9,450 worth of fast prime lenses (Canon MSRP).
  • RF 85mm f/1.2 (non-DS, although I'd probably buy the DS, +$300)
  • RF 50mm f/1.2
  • EF 35mm f/1.4 II
  • EF 28mm f/1.4 (Sigma)
  • EF 24mm f/1.4 II
Plus it saves me another $2400 if I were to add in the RF 24-70 f/2.8L (which I'd also need alongside those primes).

Seriously. I had the Joneses HARD for the RF 50mm f/1.2 and RF 85mm f/1.2 (and also had the need for excellent high-speed wide angle lenses too). I was all prepared to buy them, and more!

Then the RF 28-70 hit my radar, and the rest was history. I have no desire to buy any of those primes (or RF 24-70 f/2.8) any longer.

I shoot a lot of events and sports, and this baby just nails it. The zoom range is right on, the AF is fast and sure, the rendition is as heavenly as any other premium L. The DOF isn’t as shallow of course, but that can actually be a detriment for this kind of shooting. If I want max DOF control, I have my Siggy 135mm f/1.8 anyways, and RF 70-200 f/2.8 for longer stuff (plus the sweet RF 15-35 f/2.8 for the U/W range).

IMHO the only real down-side of the 28-70 might be its size. I don’t mind it for event or sports or portrait shooting, but I wouldn’t want to carry it while just walking about, or for travel. YMMV!

R2
Click to expand...
Thank you for the detailed response!

I do have the RF 50 1.2L and the RF 85 1.2L and the EF 35 f/1.4L ii so that cuts into the $9,450 worth of prime lens savings. :-D

I just hear great things about the 28-70 and probably should pull the trigger anyways but would no doubt sell the EF 24-70. I don’t think I can part with the 50 1.2 and the 85 1.2. They are awesome lenses. There is just duplication with the 50 1.2 with the 28-70 although the 1.2 on the 50mm comes in handy once in awhile.

I’m glad to hear your satisfaction with the 28-70.
 
cpharm86 said:
R2D2 said:
cpharm86 said:
There hasn’t been a lot of discussions on the RF 28-70 lately with all the new stuff from Canon surfacing.

About a year ago I went to my local camera store and tested the RF-28-70. One of the reasons I didn’t buy it was for the size and weight compared to my EF 24-70 2.8L ii. (of course price was a consideration also)

Well, I am back to the RF 28-70 consideration again. I don’t think I want to keep the 24-70 if I purchase the 28-70.

Has anyone that bought the RF 28-70 and had the EF 24-70 2.8L ii keep them both? Any regrets either not keeping them both if you sold the 24-70 and are you happy with the RF 28-70?
Click to expand...
The 28-70 is incomparable.

For its list price of $3100, it's saved me from buying $9,450 worth of fast prime lenses (Canon MSRP).
  • RF 85mm f/1.2 (non-DS, although I'd probably buy the DS, +$300)
  • RF 50mm f/1.2
  • EF 35mm f/1.4 II
  • EF 28mm f/1.4 (Sigma)
  • EF 24mm f/1.4 II
Plus it saves me another $2400 if I were to add in the RF 24-70 f/2.8L (which I'd also need alongside those primes).

Seriously. I had the Joneses HARD for the RF 50mm f/1.2 and RF 85mm f/1.2 (and also had the need for excellent high-speed wide angle lenses too). I was all prepared to buy them, and more!

Then the RF 28-70 hit my radar, and the rest was history. I have no desire to buy any of those primes (or RF 24-70 f/2.8) any longer.

I shoot a lot of events and sports, and this baby just nails it. The zoom range is right on, the AF is fast and sure, the rendition is as heavenly as any other premium L. The DOF isn’t as shallow of course, but that can actually be a detriment for this kind of shooting. If I want max DOF control, I have my Siggy 135mm f/1.8 anyways, and RF 70-200 f/2.8 for longer stuff (plus the sweet RF 15-35 f/2.8 for the U/W range).

IMHO the only real down-side of the 28-70 might be its size. I don’t mind it for event or sports or portrait shooting, but I wouldn’t want to carry it while just walking about, or for travel. YMMV!

R2
Click to expand...
Thank you for the detailed response!

I do have the RF 50 1.2L and the RF 85 1.2L and the EF 35 f/1.4L ii so that cuts into the $9,450 worth of prime lens savings. :-D

I just hear great things about the 28-70 and probably should pull the trigger anyways but would no doubt sell the EF 24-70. I don’t think I can part with the 50 1.2 and the 85 1.2. They are awesome lenses. There is just duplication with the 50 1.2 with the 28-70 although the 1.2 on the 50mm comes in handy once in awhile.

I’m glad to hear your satisfaction with the 28-70.
Click to expand...
Yeah, for portrait and even wedding shooters, those primes would still be must-haves. I simply selected the best match for what I shoot. :-)

R2
 
I had bought the RF 50mm F1.2 L & RF 24-70 F2.8 L. I was considering adding the RF 85mm F1.2 L as well. I already had the RF 70-200 F2.8 L so I simply didn't purchase the 85mm 1.2 and I returned the 50mm 1.2 & 24-70 F2.8 in favor of the 28-70.

Of course it can't replace the 50, 85 & 24-70 for most. But for myself and my needs, it honestly did. And with that being said, despite it's size, weight and cost, it saves me a ton of costs, bag space and weight.
 
cpharm86 said:
There hasn’t been a lot of discussions on the RF 28-70 lately with all the new stuff from Canon surfacing.

About a year ago I went to my local camera store and tested the RF-28-70. One of the reasons I didn’t buy it was for the size and weight compared to my EF 24-70 2.8L ii. (of course price was a consideration also)

Well, I am back to the RF 28-70 consideration again. I don’t think I want to keep the 24-70 if I purchase the 28-70.

Has anyone that bought the RF 28-70 and had the EF 24-70 2.8L ii keep them both? Any regrets either not keeping them both if you sold the 24-70 and are you happy with the RF 28-70?
Click to expand...
I purchased the RF 28-70 and sold off my RF 24-70 and never looked back to be honest.

The weight to me isn't a factor paired with either my R3 or R6II and I Shoot Concerts and DJ Festivals mainly.

It's a fantastic lens, you definitely won't regret the purchase!
 
I rented the RF 28-70 f/2, it is very nice but with the drawbacks (4mm is very significant on the wide end) you mentioned. The rendering doesn't match the primes. The rendering of the RF24-70 2.8 to RF 28-70mm is closer than that of the Primes to the RF28-70.

I ended up going with primes and a RF 24-70mm 2.8 which works far better for my studio uses as well as landscape images than a 28-70mm as well. Outside for portraits my first is the magical 85mm 1.2 DS and then I will use the 50mm 1.2 if needed.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/134376641@N08/
https://www.instagram.com/briankrippendorf/
 
Last edited:
Sold EF 24-70 II 2.8L, EF 50 1.2L and EF 24 1.4L II and brought the RF 28-70 2.0 and I don't look back. Only complain is the big focus breathing for video...

Brought a used RF 24-105 STM 7.1 for 130$ for the few times that I need a lightweight pseudo alternative.

I never really liked 24-105 F4 and 24-70 2.8.... they are really nothing special. The 28-70 is, of course it cannot compete with RF 50 1.2 and 85 1.2 but is much more versatile and I can carry only 1 lens, yes is on the heavy side but 2-3 lenses to carry around is worst.
 
shadowlands said:
I had bought the RF 50mm F1.2 L & RF 24-70 F2.8 L. I was considering adding the RF 85mm F1.2 L as well. I already had the RF 70-200 F2.8 L so I simply didn't purchase the 85mm 1.2 and I returned the 50mm 1.2 & 24-70 F2.8 in favor of the 28-70.
Click to expand...
I’m sure since I bought the RF 50 1.2L awhile ago it can’t be returned so will keep it vs selling it. I’m still strongly considering the 28-70 but will sell the EF 24-70.
shadowlands said:
Of course it can't replace the 50, 85 & 24-70 for most. But for myself and my needs, it honestly did. And with that being said, despite it's size, weight and cost, it saves me a ton of costs, bag space and weight.
Click to expand...
 
Matthew said:
cpharm86 said:
There hasn’t been a lot of discussions on the RF 28-70 lately with all the new stuff from Canon surfacing.

About a year ago I went to my local camera store and tested the RF-28-70. One of the reasons I didn’t buy it was for the size and weight compared to my EF 24-70 2.8L ii. (of course price was a consideration also)

Well, I am back to the RF 28-70 consideration again. I don’t think I want to keep the 24-70 if I purchase the 28-70.

Has anyone that bought the RF 28-70 and had the EF 24-70 2.8L ii keep them both? Any regrets either not keeping them both if you sold the 24-70 and are you happy with the RF 28-70?
Click to expand...
I purchased the RF 28-70 and sold off my RF 24-70 and never looked back to be honest.

The weight to me isn't a factor paired with either my R3 or R6II and I Shoot Concerts and DJ Festivals mainly.

It's a fantastic lens, you definitely won't regret the purchase!
Click to expand...
Thank you for your input.
 
Brian D3300 said:
I rented the RF 28-70 f/2, it is very nice but with the drawbacks (4mm is very significant on the wide end) you mentioned.
Click to expand...
That is a consideration I need to decide now. I might miss the 4mm.
Brian D3300 said:
The rendering doesn't match the primes. The rendering of the RF24-70 2.8 to RF 28-70mm is closer than that of the Primes to the RF28-70.

I ended up going with primes and a RF 24-70mm 2.8 which works far better for my studio uses as well as landscape images than a 28-70mm as well. Outside for portraits my first is the magical 85mm 1.2 DS and then I will use the 50mm 1.2 if needed.
Click to expand...
I would get the RF 28-70 vs getting the RF 24-70. I’m sure the RF 24-70 is a better choice to the EF 24-70 I currently have but the f/2 would be more of a benefit for me.

Thank you for your input on this.
 
Last edited:
cpharm86 said:
shadowlands said:
I had bought the RF 50mm F1.2 L & RF 24-70 F2.8 L. I was considering adding the RF 85mm F1.2 L as well. I already had the RF 70-200 F2.8 L so I simply didn't purchase the 85mm 1.2 and I returned the 50mm 1.2 & 24-70 F2.8 in favor of the 28-70.
Click to expand...
I’m sure since I bought the RF 50 1.2L awhile ago it can’t be returned so will keep it vs selling it. I’m still strongly considering the 28-70 but will sell the EF 24-70.
cpharm86 said:
Of course it can't replace the 50, 85 & 24-70 for most. But for myself and my needs, it honestly did. And with that being said, despite it's size, weight and cost, it saves me a ton of costs, bag space and weight.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Personally, I think the 50mm 1.2 is the best lens I've used. 28-70 is the next best.

I've never had the 85 1.2 but I'd sure it's likely the best.

Indeed, keep your 50mm for those times that you need 1.2 for better creativity, for sure.
 
action99 said:
Sold EF 24-70 II 2.8L, EF 50 1.2L and EF 24 1.4L II and brought the RF 28-70 2.0 and I don't look back. Only complain is the big focus breathing for video...

Brought a used RF 24-105 STM 7.1 for 130$ for the few times that I need a lightweight pseudo alternative.

I never really liked 24-105 F4 and 24-70 2.8.... they are really nothing special. The 28-70 is, of course it cannot compete with RF 50 1.2 and 85 1.2 but is much more versatile and I can carry only 1 lens, yes is on the heavy side but 2-3 lenses to carry around is worst.
Click to expand...
I know either way I would keep the RF 50 1.2 and the RF 85 1.2. I don’t see anything special with the 24-105 but it is a good casual walk around lens for me.

I don’t at all shoot video but the f/2 on the RF 28-70 is a benefit for me.
 
Last edited:
Focus point is George:

50mm 1.2 at f1.2

8a6ee29b85484777bf4f0561a8cda6c5.jpg

f2.0

1b68c93e6c3d4601a589c947ed6bbc4a.jpg

f2.8



c723b29a87b0491db8d7a901f505017a.jpg



RF24-70

2.8:



86ec3d2653fd4fb6b3c3da8480821c8b.jpg



RF50 1.2 at 2.8 crop:



ccb4ec06d5384ccf8a5901b9148ed456.jpg

RF 2470 at 2.8 crop:



b3b570e908fd4edc8ce5ac53681b5a6f.jpg



--
www.flickr.com

Brian Krippendorf

Explore Brian Krippendorf’s 339 photos on Flickr!
www.flickr.com www.flickr.com
 
Brian D3300 said:
Focus point is George:

50mm 1.2 at f1.2

8a6ee29b85484777bf4f0561a8cda6c5.jpg

f2.0

1b68c93e6c3d4601a589c947ed6bbc4a.jpg

f2.8

c723b29a87b0491db8d7a901f505017a.jpg

RF24-70

2.8:

86ec3d2653fd4fb6b3c3da8480821c8b.jpg

RF50 1.2 at 2.8 crop:

ccb4ec06d5384ccf8a5901b9148ed456.jpg

RF 2470 at 2.8 crop:

b3b570e908fd4edc8ce5ac53681b5a6f.jpg
Click to expand...
I had to look at this a couple of times. I think you are trying to tell me that the RF 24-70 compares to the RF 50 1.2. I do like the cropped version of the RF 50 better.

My decision would be to get the RF 28-70 or just keep my EF 24-70 2.8L ii since I already have the RF 50mm 1.2L. I don’t have an interest in selling the EF 24-70 for the RF 24-70.

Thank you for the comparisons and response.
 
I was just comparing 50 1.2 at 1.2, 2.0, 2.8 and then with the RF24-70 as well. I don't have the 28 to compare as I only rented it in the past. Yeah I know you are not interested but thought maybe you'd like the 1.2 to 2.0 comparison (though from my understanding 2.0 on a prime is still not the same as 2.0 on a zoom).

This has some interesting comparison but vs the 85:

 
The most stupid things on this planet are
  1. Buying prime lens
  2. Buying super expensive prime lens
  3. Buying super expensive 50mm prime lens
  4. Buying super expensive MF 50mm prime lens
This is a century for zoom AF lens, not for century old wine with new bottle.
 
Nimonus said:
The most stupid things on this planet are
  1. Buying prime lens
  2. Buying super expensive prime lens
  3. Buying super expensive 50mm prime lens
  4. Buying super expensive MF 50mm prime lens
This is a century for zoom AF lens, not for century old wine with new bottle.
Click to expand...
I’ll let someone else rebuttal this. This discussion would be tiring for me. :-)
 
Brian D3300 said:
I was just comparing 50 1.2 at 1.2, 2.0, 2.8 and then with the RF24-70 as well. I don't have the 28 to compare as I only rented it in the past. Yeah I know you are not interested but thought maybe you'd like the 1.2 to 2.0 comparison (though from my understanding 2.0 on a prime is still not the same as 2.0 on a zoom).
Click to expand...
Got it, appreciate the comparison.

I will listen to the video. I started it but got interrupted here at home. Will finish it later. Looks interesting.

Brian D3300 said:
This has some interesting comparison but vs the 85:

Click to expand...
 
Nimonus said:
The most stupid things on this planet are
  1. Buying prime lens
  2. Buying super expensive prime lens
  3. Buying super expensive 50mm prime lens
  4. Buying super expensive MF 50mm prime lens
This is a century for zoom AF lens, not for century old wine with new bottle.
Click to expand...


cf2cb20efb5a42b29fda9dbfe5cb8313.jpg.png







--
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