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I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

Started Jul 14, 2021 | Discussions
philipchai New Member • Posts: 6
I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

Hi all,

I currently have below three lens:

RF 1.8 STM 35mm Macro

RF 1.8 STM 50mm

RF 1.2 L USM 85mm

I got lucky and I just ordered a 28mm-70mm f2 RF without have to wait backorder on Canon site. I ordered it and got it the next day. However, I realized it might be too big for me. I am not making any income out of any lens I buy for myself. So I am thinking carrying this 28-70mm RF f2 lens might not be a fun carry around camera for me as a hobbyist.

I am thinking to return this lens and get a RF f1.2 L 50mm lens and another cheap high aperture zoom lens from STM line up.

And I am to keep this RF 28-70mm f2 lens, I probably wont keep the prime RF 1.8 35mm and 50mm 1.8 STM lens.

What are you guys opinion?

 philipchai's gear list:philipchai's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
tdbmd Senior Member • Posts: 1,546
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
1

It does seem like your current lineup would have a lot of overlap.

 tdbmd's gear list:tdbmd's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D) Canon EOS R6 Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM +11 more
OP philipchai New Member • Posts: 6
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

tdbmd wrote:

It does seem like your current lineup would have a lot of overlap.

Hi tdbmd,

So you are saying I should return it or keep it?

 philipchai's gear list:philipchai's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Quarkcharmed
Quarkcharmed Senior Member • Posts: 2,713
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
1

Tbh it's hard to suggest anything without knowing what you're typically shooting. Portraits, landscape?..

 Quarkcharmed's gear list:Quarkcharmed's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Canon EF 16-35mm F4L IS USM Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM
OP philipchai New Member • Posts: 6
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

Quarkcharmed wrote:

Tbh it's hard to suggest anything without knowing what you're typically shooting. Portraits, landscape?..

Hi Quarkcharmed, thanks for responding. I shoot random things, I would say 50% my fiance pics, 30% random things, 20% landscape... I am more of like a hobbyist type of photographer. And I definitely will not shoot wedding or any events regardless in the future.

 philipchai's gear list:philipchai's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
tdbmd Senior Member • Posts: 1,546
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
1

philipchai wrote:

tdbmd wrote:

It does seem like your current lineup would have a lot of overlap.

Hi tdbmd,

So you are saying I should return it or keep it?

I guess it depends on whether you like the simplicity of a zoom.  I would probably go with a zoom and forego carrying a bag full of primes that cover the same focal lengths.

 tdbmd's gear list:tdbmd's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D) Canon EOS R6 Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM +11 more
Ali Senior Member • Posts: 1,969
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
1

When I had the 5D, I had the 24-70 f/2.8 as well as primes; but I found myself using the 24-70 far more often, and the primes went unused.

So now I got just the 28-70, no primes; so far so good. Of course the 28-70 is considerably heavier than the EF 24-70, so it will be interesting to see what my feelings are if I try to travel with it.

Something like the 24-240 combined with a prime may be a better choice for travel, but I haven’t thought too deeply about that…

philipchai wrote:

Hi all,

I currently have below three lens:

RF 1.8 STM 35mm Macro

RF 1.8 STM 50mm

RF 1.2 L USM 85mm

I got lucky and I just ordered a 28mm-70mm f2 RF without have to wait backorder on Canon site. I ordered it and got it the next day. However, I realized it might be too big for me. I am not making any income out of any lens I buy for myself. So I am thinking carrying this 28-70mm RF f2 lens might not be a fun carry around camera for me as a hobbyist.

I am thinking to return this lens and get a RF f1.2 L 50mm lens and another cheap high aperture zoom lens from STM line up.

And I am to keep this RF 28-70mm f2 lens, I probably wont keep the prime RF 1.8 35mm and 50mm 1.8 STM lens.

What are you guys opinion?

 Ali's gear list:Ali's gear list
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V Olympus TG-5 Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS R5
Quarkcharmed
Quarkcharmed Senior Member • Posts: 2,713
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

philipchai wrote:

Quarkcharmed wrote:

Tbh it's hard to suggest anything without knowing what you're typically shooting. Portraits, landscape?..

Hi Quarkcharmed, thanks for responding. I shoot random things, I would say 50% my fiance pics, 30% random things, 20% landscape... I am more of like a hobbyist type of photographer. And I definitely will not shoot wedding or any events regardless in the future.

In this case, I guess, you'll find the 28-70 used in most of your shots. It's heavy but you'll do fine with just one lens in many travel scenarios, without carrying a bunch of primes. It'll also be good for landscapes and portraiture.

 Quarkcharmed's gear list:Quarkcharmed's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Canon EF 16-35mm F4L IS USM Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM
French Fry Regular Member • Posts: 196
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
3

Hi,

You may want to think about why you ordered this lens in the first place. What gap were you trying to fill?

If you want the flexibility of a zoom, consider taking a look at the 24-70 F2.8, or the 24-105 F4. Both are excellent zooms that are far lighter and easier to carry all day.

If you don't want a zoom, stick with primes.

AdamWCohenVisuals Forum Member • Posts: 66
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
3

Return the 35 and 50 or sell them for the best price you can get. Keep the 28-70 and the 85. You’ll enjoy them for a very long time.

Top notch glass is never a mistake. The 28-70 is already legendary, and the 85 is a dream portrait lens.

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 AdamWCohenVisuals's gear list:AdamWCohenVisuals's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 35mm F1.4L II USM Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM +9 more
Croomrider Contributing Member • Posts: 822
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

If you don't think you will want to carry it around, return it. You can get lighter zooms for carry around, and rely on a couple of primes for the creative occasions. If you dread getting it out for an outing, you won't take it and it will be useless.

 Croomrider's gear list:Croomrider's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Canon EOS 550D Canon EOS 5D Mark III Canon EOS RP Canon EOS R5 +26 more
OP philipchai New Member • Posts: 6
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
1

French Fry wrote:

Hi,

You may want to think about why you ordered this lens in the first place. What gap were you trying to fill?

If you want the flexibility of a zoom, consider taking a look at the 24-70 F2.8, or the 24-105 F4. Both are excellent zooms that are far lighter and easier to carry all day.

If you don't want a zoom, stick with primes.

Hi French Fry,

When I first ordered it so quickly because I did watched a lot of youtube videos about how they able to replace all primes with this lens except for 85mm RF 1.2L.

Also, a lot of people saying this is backordered, but then two days ago I went on Canon site, it shows it is in stock, so I quickly ordered it and I got it yesterday.

The problem I found with this 28-70mm f2 lens is really the size and weights... I know its big and 3lbs, but I am even more shocked when I see it in real life in front of my eyes...

Especially if I bring it to travel with me... Carrying 3lbs in my hand including my EOS R5, I dont think that would be comfortable vs me just holding a 35mm STM f1.8 or a 50mm f1.2 L USM.

 philipchai's gear list:philipchai's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
ffabrici Senior Member • Posts: 1,352
Return the 28-70mm f2 RF lens
6

philipchai wrote:

Hi all,

I currently have below three lens:

RF 1.8 STM 35mm Macro

RF 1.8 STM 50mm

RF 1.2 L USM 85mm

I got lucky and I just ordered a 28mm-70mm f2 RF without have to wait backorder on Canon site. I ordered it and got it the next day. However, I realized it might be too big for me. I am not making any income out of any lens I buy for myself. So I am thinking carrying this 28-70mm RF f2 lens might not be a fun carry around camera for me as a hobbyist.

I am thinking to return this lens and get a RF f1.2 L 50mm lens and another cheap high aperture zoom lens from STM line up.

And I am to keep this RF 28-70mm f2 lens, I probably wont keep the prime RF 1.8 35mm and 50mm 1.8 STM lens.

What are you guys opinion?

I tested out the RF 28-70 thoroughly before buying the RF 24-70, and although the 28-70 is a marvel of a lens, I knew that I would not use it as much as the 24-70 simply because of its weight and bulk.

If you are working in a studio that doesn't matter but if you carry it around with other lenses a whole day - it really does start to matter.

The reason for my recommendation is that you are in doubt. In my opinion and a way for me to make such decisions is that; if you buy such an expensive piece of equipment, you should be thrilled and certain - not in doubt :-).

tkbslc Forum Pro • Posts: 17,522
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens
French Fry Regular Member • Posts: 196
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

Hi,

It sounds like you were trying to replace primes with something more versatile, so I really think that a different zoom that is lighter and smaller would be the best fit for you. Sometimes you don't know that something is the right fit for your needs until you see and hold it in person. That's OK.

I do almost all of my photography on long hikes, so I 100% know how you feel about not wanting to carry around something that is too heavy. From my experience, gear that is heavy gets left behind a lot more than gear that is lighter, so I think you will get a lot more value out of a lens that you enjoy holding and carrying around.

The 24-70mm F2.8 lens is excellent, and not particularly heavy. The 24-105 F4 also produces really nice images, is even lighter weight, and has the advantage of the extra reach. Both are good versatile zooms that would complement your primes well.

RDM5546
RDM5546 Senior Member • Posts: 3,654
Re: Return the 28-70mm f2 RF lens

ffabrici wrote:

philipchai wrote:

Hi all,

I currently have below three lens:

RF 1.8 STM 35mm Macro

RF 1.8 STM 50mm

RF 1.2 L USM 85mm

I got lucky and I just ordered a 28mm-70mm f2 RF without have to wait backorder on Canon site. I ordered it and got it the next day. However, I realized it might be too big for me. I am not making any income out of any lens I buy for myself. So I am thinking carrying this 28-70mm RF f2 lens might not be a fun carry around camera for me as a hobbyist.

I am thinking to return this lens and get a RF f1.2 L 50mm lens and another cheap high aperture zoom lens from STM line up.

And I am to keep this RF 28-70mm f2 lens, I probably wont keep the prime RF 1.8 35mm and 50mm 1.8 STM lens.

What are you guys opinion?

I tested out the RF 28-70 thoroughly before buying the RF 24-70, and although the 28-70 is a marvel of a lens, I knew that I would not use it as much as the 24-70 simply because of its weight and bulk.

If you are working in a studio that doesn't matter but if you carry it around with other lenses a whole day - it really does start to matter.

The reason for my recommendation is that you are in doubt. In my opinion and a way for me to make such decisions is that; if you buy such an expensive piece of equipment, you should be thrilled and certain - not in doubt :-).

I knew that I would not use it as much as the 24-70 simply because of its major weight and bulk for a zoom lens. The RF24-70f2.8 that I have is part of the f2.8 trinity which find acceptable and as big as I want for these core lenses. I do have the RF50mmf1.2 but that is a prime lens and even that is not as huge as the 28-70. I did not get the RF85f1.2 because is pretty big and my Sigma 85f1.4 is nearly as good and an excellent lens which smaller and lighter than the Canon RF85f1.2. I also have the faster to focus EF 85f1.4L IS which I love for action shooting and it smaller than the big RF85f1.2.

I like big lenses but I draw a line based on the intended use. I have EF400F2.8L IS which is a marvelous big money lens 15 years ago that weighs 12+ lbs with the hood.  I love the way it renders images but it does not get as much use as other lenses because size and weight do matter at some point.   We all have different tolerances for what we will use and for what purpose.

 RDM5546's gear list:RDM5546's gear list
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM Canon G5 X II Canon EOS 70D Canon EOS 7D Mark II Canon EOS 5D Mark IV +47 more
SteveinLouisville
SteveinLouisville Senior Member • Posts: 1,586
Why did you buy it in the first place?
1

At least in my case, and assuming I could afford it, I would need to have a very specific use in mind to buy this rare bird.  The primes you have cover this range, so why did you want this zoom?

 SteveinLouisville's gear list:SteveinLouisville's gear list
Canon EOS RP Canon EOS R7 Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Canon EF-S 24mm F2.8 STM +9 more
Jeff108 Regular Member • Posts: 157
Re: Why did you buy it in the first place?
1

Definately return the 28-70.  No brainer.  Youre already having thoughts about it and size and weight are a big deal.  If you have concern about size and weight now - it will probably end up on your shelf.

You have the 85 1.2, which is where I would start.  I have the RF 24-70 and dont really like it.  I keep it because its just so handy.  But out of Canons RF trinity 2.8 glass, I find it by far the weakest.  (I love the 15-35 and 70-200)

With that said, if the 28-70 is too big you have to chose between the RF24-70 f2.8 or RF 24-104 f4

24-105 f4 with a 50 1.2 and 85 1.2 isnt bad

PhotoKhan Forum Pro • Posts: 11,930
Listen...
5

...I have an hard time understanding why would anyone buy such an expensive piece of gear without extended due diligence, weight and bulkiness included.

My advice?...Do not send the lens back without testing it.

It is a "tour de force" showcase for the RF system, an unique lens with unique "optical character".

I won't lie to you, it's bulkiness and weight will impact the number of times you will be using it.

...But, when you do, it will give such a pleasure you soon lose all idea of returning or selling it.

(Your own experience may vary, of course but, again, do not send it back without testing it.)

It is like having multiple primes in that FL range, I tell you.

Here are some samples.

PK

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Tommy S
Tommy S Contributing Member • Posts: 819
Re: I am thinking to return a brand new 28-70mm f2 RF lens

philipchai wrote:

Hi all,

I currently have below three lens:

RF 1.8 STM 35mm Macro

RF 1.8 STM 50mm

RF 1.2 L USM 85mm

I got lucky and I just ordered a 28mm-70mm f2 RF without have to wait backorder on Canon site. I ordered it and got it the next day. However, I realized it might be too big for me. I am not making any income out of any lens I buy for myself. So I am thinking carrying this 28-70mm RF f2 lens might not be a fun carry around camera for me as a hobbyist.

I am thinking to return this lens and get a RF f1.2 L 50mm lens and another cheap high aperture zoom lens from STM line up.

And I am to keep this RF 28-70mm f2 lens, I probably wont keep the prime RF 1.8 35mm and 50mm 1.8 STM lens.

What are you guys opinion?

Your dilemma is pretty simple, as I would have no such problem at all.

If you know your work you should know what gear you need to make it comfortable. I would never carry around three primes, where I can take only one. In studio it is a different story. Outdoors, it is simple for me, as I much prefer manual zoom over any leg-zoom.

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 Tommy S's gear list:Tommy S's gear list
Canon EOS R6 Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 RF
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