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Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

Started Aug 3, 2021 | Discussions
Jordan Drake
Jordan Drake dpreview Admin • Posts: 189
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)
6

We'll have a video review of the 28-70mm F2 out shortly, tested on an EOS R5. I'll spoil it a bit though, we were shocked how fast AF speeds were considering the size of the glass the motor is moving. Easily usable for candid and event photography.

bernie r Contributing Member • Posts: 536
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

PhotoKhan wrote:

1Dx4me wrote:

RF lenses are expensive and offer no benefit compared to EF lenses

Haven't you been reading/seeing tests...!?!?

My RF 85 f/1.2 is WAY better than the EF II version.

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1418&Camera=1221&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=397&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 100-500 is noticeably better than my EF 100-400.

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1510&Camera=1508&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=972&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 24-105 f/4 confirms the notion that it must be the best 24-105 ever designed.

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1222&Camera=1221&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1072&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 15-35 f/2.8 is better from what I remember my EF 16-35 to have been (...although I find it acceptable to question if the price justifies the difference to the EF 16-35 f/4 IS).

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1414&Camera=1508&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=412&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 28-70 f/2 is better than the EF version because...well, because there's no EF version

No, seriously, what are you talking about...?

PK

Unfortunately alot of these people are stuck in the past and won't upgrade their gear due to some preconceived idea that their DSLR gear is still top tier and anyone who says anything different is wrong.

Look at the EF 100 2.8 vs RF 100 2.8 and tell me there isn't a difference.

-- hide signature --

Camera:
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 15-35 2.8
Canon RF 28-70 2
Canon EF 70-200 2.8
Canon RF 85 1.2
Canon EF 500 f/4 L IS II USM + 1.4X III
Other:
Gitzo Fluid Gimbal Head
Gitzo GT4543LS Systematic Series 4 Carbon eXact Long Tripod
Benro Mach3 TMA38CL Carbon Fibre Tripod
Benro G3 Ball Head
Canon Speedlite EL-1 Flash
Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI Flashgun
Gitzo Adventury 45L

Tommy S
OP Tommy S Contributing Member • Posts: 819
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

flyingskiguy wrote:

Here's the 28-70 wide open tracking a running dog. Yes, it's not as fast as the RF 70-200, but it's still pretty darn quick.
If it matters: I sold my RF 24-70 for the 28-70, and also own the 70-200 2.8 and 100-500.

There is an astonishing amount of conjecture and uniformed opinion in this thread.

Thank you for a substantial input.

Yes - I started a thread about RF 28-70 F2.0 to learn that RF 70-200 is better.

-- hide signature --

Canon R6 beat Sony A9II (for now)
My photoblog http://justimpress.me

 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
bernie r Contributing Member • Posts: 536
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)
1

Long story short, if you want something that gives you something a little 'extra' and different from what other people are shooting from their 24-70's, get the 28-70 because the images do look nicer from the lens, if you want your images to look like every other 24-70 2.8 lens out there(there's alot) then get that, nothing wrong with it, it's just having the lens to have something slightly different to what the majority are.

-- hide signature --

Camera:
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 15-35 2.8
Canon RF 28-70 2
Canon EF 70-200 2.8
Canon RF 85 1.2
Canon EF 500 f/4 L IS II USM + 1.4X III
Other:
Gitzo Fluid Gimbal Head
Gitzo GT4543LS Systematic Series 4 Carbon eXact Long Tripod
Benro Mach3 TMA38CL Carbon Fibre Tripod
Benro G3 Ball Head
Canon Speedlite EL-1 Flash
Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI Flashgun
Gitzo Adventury 45L

Mr F48 Regular Member • Posts: 111
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)
1

thunder storm wrote:

bernie r wrote:

1Dx4me wrote:

i am gonna hold on to all of my :EF" "L" lenses when i move to R3 or R! when the time comes. RF lenses are expensive and offer no benefit compared to EF lenses. so i am ready for R#/R1 cameras in your case, i would definitely consider a canon 24-70 f2.8 II, it is a wonderful lens, check it out.

'No benefit' is a stretch.

Although true, I find the benefits for the price difference pretty bad value for money in some cases.

Comparing the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 to the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 mkII i've found the following differences:

1. The RF lens has smoother bokeh

2. The RF lens has a bit better stabilization, as it isn't leaning on IBIS only. Yeah, there are two bodies without IBIS, but the R is more of a landscape camera being better served with the RF 24-105 f/4.0 L, and the RP and the RF 24-70 f/2.8 IS USM - although fully compatible - aren't really in the same price segment.

3. The RF lens could have a little bit better contrast and/or center sharpness, but it doesn't have benefit's only. The EF lens is a bit better at the wide end for instance.

I've tested my EF lens on the R5 for AF tracking speed, and my use cases aren't enough of a stress test to find any flaws, even when trying to stress the lens enough. Although the RF lens could be better, I'm wondering what improvements where needed.

1. is a biggie

2. is only a marginal difference in my opinion

3. is only a marginal difference in my opinion

My used but mint EF mkII was 1000 euro. A new RF lens is 2500 euro. In my opinion it's better value for money to get the EF lens and use the other 1500 euro to add one or two good primes. 1500 euro is what I've payed for the 40mm f/1.4 Art plus RF 85mm f/2.0 IS stm. Because of these lenses my 24-70mm is primarily my best 24mm..... It's also - secondary - my standard zoom, but hey, zooms will always be just just zooms, no matter how expensive they are.

I have just replaced my EF 24-70 II with the RF version. I completely agree with all of your points.

The only difference is that I use it on the EOS R and the stabilization is a gamechanger for me, since I don't plan to replace the camera body anytime soon.

Otherwise it's a marginal improvement at best. I opted to upgrade since the aperture module on my EF version broke. Damaged ribbon cable, giving Err 01. From what I saw online, it's not that uncommon.

I hope the RF will last me longer. The 24-70 may be the most boring lens I own, but I use it 90% of the time.

 Mr F48's gear list:Mr F48's gear list
Canon EOS R6 Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | A Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM
Tommy S
OP Tommy S Contributing Member • Posts: 819
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

fortuna_m48 wrote:

I have just replaced my EF 24-70 II with the RF version. I completely agree with all of your points.

The only difference is that I use it on the EOS R and the stabilization is a gamechanger for me, since I don't plan to replace the camera body anytime soon.

Otherwise it's a marginal improvement at best. I opted to upgrade since the aperture module on my EF version broke. Damaged ribbon cable, giving Err 01. From what I saw online, it's not that uncommon.

I hope the RF will last me longer. The 24-70 may be the most boring lens I own, but I use it 90% of the time.

I do not think anybody can reasonably depreciate RF lenses, but they are designed for more demanding sensors (R5 or R) than less demanding such as R6.

-- hide signature --

Canon R6 beat Sony A9II (for now)
My photoblog http://justimpress.me

 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
jnd Regular Member • Posts: 250
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)
1

Yes, it's no problem. I shoot trams and trains that go 50 km/h to 160 km/h and it keeps up without problems. In wide angle the focus mechanism doesn't have to travel as far through the range as for telephoto lens.

 jnd's gear list:jnd's gear list
Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM +6 more
thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

fortuna_m48 wrote:

The only difference is that I use it on the EOS R and the stabilization is a gamechanger for me, since I don't plan to replace the camera body anytime soon.

In that case getting IS is great.

Otherwise it's a marginal improvement at best. I opted to upgrade since the aperture module on my EF version broke. Damaged ribbon cable, giving Err 01. From what I saw online, it's not that uncommon.

Sorry to hear that.

I hope the RF will last me longer. The 24-70 may be the most boring lens I own, but I use it 90% of the time.

Probably the RF f/4.0 L would have been the better choice for me, as I don't find my self leaving the house without primes anyway.  Also for indoor shooting I find myself sacrificing zoom capability for a larger aperture and better IQ.

Still I like the f/2.8 zoom better for candid portraits as 70mm&f/2.8 is more flexible than 105mm&f/4.0. The weight is bad, but that 70mm&f/2.8 is there instantly without lens changes and without stepping back.

-- hide signature --

I love 50mm (equivalence)

 thunder storm's gear list:thunder storm's gear list
Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS R5 Sony a7 IV Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM +24 more
thunder storm Forum Pro • Posts: 10,139
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

jnd wrote:

Yes, it's no problem. I shoot trams and trains that go 50 km/h to 160 km/h and it keeps up without problems. In wide angle the focus mechanism doesn't have to travel as far through the range as for telephoto lens.

Another train shooter here.  Distance and angle matter a lot.

-- hide signature --

I love 50mm (equivalence)

 thunder storm's gear list:thunder storm's gear list
Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS M6 II Canon EOS R5 Sony a7 IV Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM +24 more
JoWinter Regular Member • Posts: 315
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

Unfortunately alot of these people are stuck in the past and won't upgrade their gear due to some preconceived idea that their DSLR gear is still top tier and anyone who says anything different is wrong.

Or perhaps some people might just not be able to shell out 20k dollars/euros/pounds to replace the modestly-sized collection of Canon L zooms and primes they have built over the years with these splendid RF versions?

Croomrider Contributing Member • Posts: 822
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects? (AF speed)

JoWinter wrote:

Unfortunately alot of these people are stuck in the past and won't upgrade their gear due to some preconceived idea that their DSLR gear is still top tier and anyone who says anything different is wrong.

Or perhaps some people might just not be able to shell out 20k dollars/euros/pounds to replace the modestly-sized collection of Canon L zooms and primes they have built over the years with these splendid RF versions?

Yes, much more likely!

 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
Huntin4photos Contributing Member • Posts: 662
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable for fast moving objects ? Depends

Compared to other lens with IS, it works better when aiming and following through on a fast moving target, rather than just snapping away.

That is my experience and preference. It usually produces background blur from the camera movement that provides a feeling or appearance of speed of the fast moving target rather than an appearance of being frozen and suspended in time.

IS seems better at assisting me in "freezing" and suspending the action or movement.

Of course, that is my experience. Yours may vary depending on quanitities of certain beverages and other substances consumed. 😎

Edit: Besides as they say, speed kills, and with the right touch, the speed of this lens produces kill shot after kill shot.

Mister Green New Member • Posts: 17
Spoiler alert

JordanDrake wrote:

We'll have a video review of the 28-70mm F2 out shortly, tested on an EOS R5. I'll spoil it a bit though, we were shocked how fast AF speeds were considering the size of the glass the motor is moving. Easily usable for candid and event photography.

You need to add 'spoiler alert' to the title.  To this day I refuse to watch Toy Story because someone ruined it and told me Woody is eaten by a dog at the end.

Huntin4photos Contributing Member • Posts: 662
Re: Is RF 28-70 F2.0 suitable (AF speed)

PhotoKhan wrote:

1Dx4me wrote:

RF lenses are expensive and offer no benefit compared to EF lenses

Haven't you been reading/seeing tests...!?!?

My RF 85 f/1.2 is WAY better than the EF II version.

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1418&Camera=1221&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=397&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 100-500 is noticeably better than my EF 100-400.

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1510&Camera=1508&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=972&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 24-105 f/4 confirms the notion that it must be the best 24-105 ever designed.

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1222&Camera=1221&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1072&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 15-35 f/2.8 is better from what I remember my EF 16-35 to have been (...although I find it acceptable to question if the price justifies the difference to the EF 16-35 f/4 IS).

It matches this:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1414&Camera=1508&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=412&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

My RF 28-70 f/2 is better than the EF version because...well, because there's no EF version

No, seriously, what are you talking about...?

PK

No seriously!! Them there black lines on a white background are incredibly beautiful. Awesome.

I think my old Magic Drainpipe could not come close....but hey, seriously, I will keep the magic and leave the sharp lines to everyone else. LOL.

Huntin4photos Contributing Member • Posts: 662
Re: Spoiler alert
  • Mister Green wrote:

JordanDrake wrote:

We'll have a video review of the 28-70mm F2 out shortly, tested on an EOS R5. I'll spoil it a bit though, we were shocked how fast AF speeds were considering the size of the glass the motor is moving. Easily usable for candid and event photography.

You need to add 'spoiler alert' to the title. To this day I refuse to watch Toy Story because someone ruined it and told me Woody is eaten by a dog at the end.

You dirty rotten spoiler!!!

Just when I found a rare expensive  DVD of Toy Soldier to watch with my kids this evening,  you just had to go ruin it by telling me about Woody....

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