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New RF70-200 f/4 First Impressions

Started 1 week ago | Discussions
Basil Fawlty
Basil Fawlty Regular Member • Posts: 237
New RF70-200 f/4 First Impressions
4

I sold EF 70-200 f/4 non-IS, which was a decent lens but didn't have IBIS.  I decided I wanted to get an RF mount lens in the same focal range.

AS I posted here earlier, my struggle was whether to get the lighter, much less expensive f/4.0 version, or spend $1200-$1300 more for the f/2.8 version. The fact the sensor on my R5 is so good made me really struggle with whether upgrading to the f/2.8 is worth that much more money (to me).

Most of my shooting (80% at least) is landscapes where I would mostly be stopping down anyway. I know in cases where I’m shooting portraits, the f/2.8 would yield nicer, creamier bokeh, and it would be better in low light but is it $1300 worth of better bokeh given I’m not a pro?

My heart told me, “just suck it up and get the 2.8,” but my “head” said, “you don’t need the 2.8 and with the high-ISO capabilities of the R5 you could probably get fine results with the f/4 version.” The f/4 version is also smaller, lighter (for hiking) and of course much less $$.

My head won and I just took delivery of the RF70-200 f/4 yesterday.  For the amount of money I saved by not getting the 2.8 version, I ended up also buying the 85 f/2.  I'm still waiting for that one to be delivered.

I have not had much opportunity to do any serious shooting yet, but I do like the compact size and very light weight, which will make it easier to carry in a backpack when hiking.  Here are a couple quick and dirty shots (some with high ISO I ran through Topaz).

The lens, although light, feels well made and solid.  The lens hood has a nice distinctive "click" when it's installed.  Though the hood doesn't have a window for turning filters like the 2.8 version does, the hood isn't too deep so that I can still turn a CP filter with my index finger if need be.  With the hood on backwards, it is very similar in size to my RF24-105 (slightly bigger around) so that storing it in my Billingham shoulder bag works well.

Eagle had a broken wing

Our kitty, Blue.  Not the best background

A bunny in the yard (I desaturated the background so the bunny would pop a little more

One of many cacti on our property.

It's been snowing all morning.

 Basil Fawlty's gear list:Basil Fawlty's gear list
Panasonic LX100 Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM Canon EF 135mm F2L USM +8 more
Canon EOS R5
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jcr67
jcr67 Senior Member • Posts: 1,602
Re: New RF70-200 f/4 First Impressions

This really is a nice lens. Great IQ, great build and light weight. I also have the RF24-105f4 like you, very nice combo.

 jcr67's gear list:jcr67's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R7 Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM +19 more
Basil Fawlty
OP Basil Fawlty Regular Member • Posts: 237
Re: New RF70-200 f/4 First Impressions
3

jcr67 wrote:

This really is a nice lens. Great IQ, great build and light weight. I also have the RF24-105f4 like you, very nice combo.

The 24-105 is probably what will live on my R5 most of the time, but will pull this out for those times I need a bit more reach and compression. I love that it's so small and light, thus easy to carry.  My one disappointment with this lens - can't use an extender!

The other lens I mentioned that I bought, the 85mm f/2, just arrived today. With the money I saved getting the 70-200 f/4 vs the f/2.8, I was able to get this 85 refurbished and still have money left over.  My one disappointment with this lens - it didn't come with a hood!

Here's my very first shot with the new 85 f/2.

Our Husky, Luna. I got down on the floor at her level. 85mm f/2 1/125th, ISO 5000

 Basil Fawlty's gear list:Basil Fawlty's gear list
Panasonic LX100 Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM Canon EF 135mm F2L USM +8 more
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