Canon RF 28-70mm 2.8 IS STM

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 STM IS is a somewhat strange combination of qualities that you can find in professional and budget lenses. This doesn't mean that this concept doesn't work. If you can live with a few compromises, the lens can deliver great results. Optically, it is nothing short of impressive in the low- to mid-zoom range. The center quality is still great towards the long end, but the corners are weak here. If you use the 70mm for portraits, this won't matter, but it's not ideal for landscape or architecture photography. The lens relies heavily on image autocorrection. In RAW images, the distortion and vignetting is high, but then again - image autocorrection is a fact of life now anyway. The same multiple personalities also show up in the lens' construction. Canon used lots of plastics, but overall the lens feels well-made - if it wasn't for the retractable zoom mechanism. There isn't much wrong about it, but this isn't a cheap lens by any standard. The lack of a lens hood is also hard to digest here. Canon did, however, implement some degree of weather-sealing. Further positive aspects are the very snappy AF, and the image stabilizer is quite efficient (although not mind-blowingly so). If you absolutely need a fast standard zoom lens but can't afford the L-lens, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 STM IS is a decent, albeit overpriced choice.

Recommended – A dependable, quality standard zoom for Canon RF full frame mirrorless cameras

Canon’s RF 28-70 2.8 delivers a step-up over entry-level kit zooms in build, quality and potential bokeh, without the cost or heft of higher-end L lenses. This makes it ideal for smaller full-frame bodies like the EOS R8. But this mid-range positioning also makes it one of the most expensive non-L lenses in the RF series to date, uncomfortably approaching the price of the 24-105mm f4L which for only a little extra gives you a broader zoom range, L build quality, and a lens hood. The 28-70 2.8 of course counters with its brighter f2.8 aperture, a slightly lower price and a barrel that’s smaller and lighter. Physically this makes it a better match for the smaller bodies, but I’d still say the pricing is a bit on the high side, especially when Sigma sells a similar lens (albeit not for Canon RF) for around $800. If you’re after a more affordable 2.8 zoom, consider adapting an EF model with some great prices on used models - check MPB for some ideas. But none will be as small and light as the new RF 28-70 2.8, and most will be slower or noisier at focusing. To be fair, many of us have been asking for mid-range Canon RF lenses - and with its bright aperture, weather-sealing and price-point the 28-70 2.8 is exactly that, slotting between entry-level and high-end options. So the choice is yours.