Are you happy with your Canon RF 70-200 2.8?

jaypike wrote:

I've had this lens two months now and used it on a bunch of sporting events and several commercial gigs with great success.

I've had the previous EF mount versions on my 1dxii and 5dmk3 and feel it falls right in line with those.

I'm a little unnerved by the fact that it expands in and out as I worry this opens up the potential for dust in the barrel (yes, I know there are filters that the air goes through in side the lens... but still). For shooting hockey, when I'm working a hole in the glass, having the front of the lens expand and contract is actually a pain.

Other than that, the IQ is amazing and its certainly a light lens to carry around.

jp

Thank you Jay for sharing your insights! I guess the way you have to twist the zoom is the compromise for smaller size, but I see your point!

Bruce Trail Hiker wrote:

I have been a Pentax user since 2003. Since the start of the mirrorless revolution by Sony, I was interested in moving to mirrorless. Was waiting to see if Pentax will go mirrorless. But Pentax confirm they are sticking to DSLR and no plan for mirrorless. That's when I move away from Pentax. Compared different mirrorless systems and finally came down to Canon. The R5 is a very capable camera but what sold me to Canon is their RF lenses. Currently have the RF 70-200 f2.8 and RF 85mm f1.2

As for the comparison between the Pentax 70-200mm f2.8 and the Canon RF 70-200 f2.8. Image quality wise - they are comparable. But the weight of the Pentax version is so much heavier than the RF version. With the RF version, I can capture images which the Pentax system will never be able to. The weight reduction and the eye focusing system of the Canon make all the different. It is about usability. No regret from switching to Canon. I still kept all my Pentax lenses though. Planning to sell them eventually.

Cheers, Man Khun

Thank you for your insights buddy!

Did you use the K1 with the 70-200 2.8?

Definetely agree with you on usability! That's the same reason I went to the Canon RF system. AF is very important, not just with sports.

However, I'll have to test more to see whether the IQ is matching the K1 and 70-200 2.8 I have shot some tremendous photos with that combo, but again, super heavy and poor af, so usability wise dont miss it.

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just got this lens and I've tested it on two ocassions. A few wow photos, but not sure I'm completely sold on the lens yet.

Thought I would ask those of you who have this lens: are you happy with it?

Disclaimer: I know there are reviews on Amazon, Youtube etc. Also: I'd prefer if people who know this lens and have used it answers. Not the f4 version or ef version.

Thank you, would love to hear what you guys think.

My main comparison is with the Pentax K-1 coupled with the Pentax 70-200 2.8, which for me was a terrific combo in terms of image quality, but not wonderfully light or good af. I appreciate the AF and weight on the Canon one, but not sure if I think the image quality is up there with the Pentax. I'm using Canon R5.

That's why I wanted to hear your impressions

I have had mine for about 3 weeks.

Shot some kids soccer and handball, some portraits. A lot at f2.8 and some at f4.0.

I am quite happy so far. Seems very sharp even wide open. Some vignetting at f2.8, goes away at f4.0.

The biggest downside it doesnt take TC, but I knew that before.

I really like the light weight and compact packing size.

For me the IQ of this lens is one of the best I have ever personally owned. My comparison is not specific to this range of zoom and quality but a statement in general comparison all lenses I own, including primes. This one takes amazing shots for me.

JBrack22 wrote:

For me the IQ of this lens is one of the best I have ever personally owned. My comparison is not specific to this range of zoom and quality but a statement in general comparison all lenses I own, including primes. This one takes amazing shots for me.

That's a great testament to the ability of this lens!

KariP wrote:

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just got this lens and I've tested it on two ocassions. A few wow photos, but not sure I'm completely sold on the lens yet.

Thought I would ask those of you who have this lens: are you happy with it?

Disclaimer: I know there are reviews on Amazon, Youtube etc. Also: I'd prefer if people who know this lens and have used it answers. Not the f4 version or ef version.

Thank you, would love to hear what you guys think.

My main comparison is with the Pentax K-1 coupled with the Pentax 70-200 2.8, which for me was a terrific combo in terms of image quality, but not wonderfully light or good af. I appreciate the AF and weight on the Canon one, but not sure if I think the image quality is up there with the Pentax. I'm using Canon R5.

That's why I wanted to hear your impressions

Comparing two camera systems at home by looking at some old great images (lenses + camera bodies) is not very scientific.

I almost bought RF70-200f2,8 and read several tests before the decision (like OpticalLimits) - the lens is extremely good and sharp. The rest is up to you and R5.

Personally i decided to buy the f4 version because the optical quality is arguably even better and especially because the size, weight and usability with R6 is perfect for my needs.

Anyway, stop doing unreliable comparisons and just enjoy taking great photos with a great lens

Ok

Franz Kerschbaum wrote:

Had the EF Mk2 version and now the RF. I prefered it from day one on! Its snappier in AF, much improved IS, SOOOOOO much lighter and even more important compact to store in the back. One thing I changed from day one is the sunshade. I use the shade from the rf50/1.2 which fits perfectly (also reversed), does its job equaly well as the gigantic original and requires much less space. I actually bought a spare one since I do the same exchange on my RF100-500. Buy it!

Great! I already have it, but it's a pretty recent acquisition.

How do you compare it with the RF 50 1.2 (also a lens I have and love).

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just got this lens and I've tested it on two ocassions. A few wow photos, but not sure I'm completely sold on the lens yet.

Thought I would ask those of you who have this lens: are you happy with it?

Disclaimer: I know there are reviews on Amazon, Youtube etc. Also: I'd prefer if people who know this lens and have used it answers. Not the f4 version or ef version.

Thank you, would love to hear what you guys think.

My main comparison is with the Pentax K-1 coupled with the Pentax 70-200 2.8, which for me was a terrific combo in terms of image quality, but not wonderfully light or good af. I appreciate the AF and weight on the Canon one, but not sure if I think the image quality is up there with the Pentax. I'm using Canon R5.

That's why I wanted to hear your impressions

I've used the lens for nearly 20 months. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Nikon Z70-200 lens, which many comparisons consider to have the best IQ of all 70-200 lenses.

What I found was that the Nikon Z lens is amazing. However, I really didn't detect substantial differences between the two. In another thread, I opined that all OEM 70-200 lenses are excellent especially those released in the last 2-3 years.

In short, I had zero regrets returning the much heavier Z lens and will happily continue to rely on my RF lens for all my 70-200 requirements.

Wildkits wrote:

Gearacquisitionsyndrom wrote:

Hey guys!

Just got this lens and I've tested it on two ocassions. A few wow photos, but not sure I'm completely sold on the lens yet.

Thought I would ask those of you who have this lens: are you happy with it?

Disclaimer: I know there are reviews on Amazon, Youtube etc. Also: I'd prefer if people who know this lens and have used it answers. Not the f4 version or ef version.

Thank you, would love to hear what you guys think.

My main comparison is with the Pentax K-1 coupled with the Pentax 70-200 2.8, which for me was a terrific combo in terms of image quality, but not wonderfully light or good af. I appreciate the AF and weight on the Canon one, but not sure if I think the image quality is up there with the Pentax. I'm using Canon R5.

That's why I wanted to hear your impressions

I've used the lens for nearly 20 months. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Nikon Z70-200 lens, which many comparisons consider to have the best IQ of all 70-200 lenses.

What I found was that the Nikon Z lens is amazing. However, I really didn't detect substantial differences between the two. In another thread, I opined that all OEM 70-200 lenses are excellent especially those released in the last 2-3 years.

In short, I had zero regrets returning the much heavier Z lens and will happily continue to rely on my RF lens for all my 70-200 requirements.

This is an interesting insight as I've heard the same as you, that the Z 70-200 is the very best in new mirrorless 70-2000 2.8 lenses.

I guess they're all very good and it's down to user skill once one gets to this level of gear. Good and sad I guess since I also like some creative negatives in optical gear.

I love my Rf version mounted on my R5. I have used it very successfully for many different sporting events, and last weekend took this picture of one my wife's roses.

I used my old  ef version on my 20d, 7d, 7dmk2 and my 5dmk4. It was my oldest lens I owned,  it was bullet proof and tack sharp-at least I thought it was until I started using the R5 rf combo...lol

The Rf is amazing.

Things I like, weight, size and sharpness. Things I dont like, the telescoping, I can't help but think that one day soon I will have dust inside the lens.

Mark Riker

@revcophotography

Mark Riker wrote:

I love my Rf version mounted on my R5. I have used it very successfully for many different sporting events, and last weekend took this picture of one my wife's roses.

I used my old ef version on my 20d, 7d, 7dmk2 and my 5dmk4. It was my oldest lens I owned, it was bullet proof and tack sharp-at least I thought it was until I started using the R5 rf combo...lol

The Rf is amazing.

Things I like, weight, size and sharpness. Things I dont like, the telescoping, I can't help but think that one day soon I will have dust inside the lens.

Mark Riker

@revcophotography

Wow! Gorgeous shot! Thanks for sharing both the photo and your insights.