Canon has just announced its latest addition to the RF lens lineup: the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens. Tailored for both still and video content creators, this lens is designed to deliver high-quality performance at a more accessible price point, making it ideal for those with smaller budgets who don’t want to compromise on quality.
Compact and Lightweight Design
One of the standout features of the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens is its compact and lightweight build. Weighing just over one pound, it’s the smallest and lightest RF zoom lens with an aperture of F2.8, offering image quality that rivals Canon’s renowned L-series lenses. This makes it a perfect “take anywhere” lens for photographers and videographers who are always on the go. Whether you’re exploring city streets or capturing the great outdoors, this lens won’t weigh you down.
Versatility with a Fast Aperture
The RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM offers a convenient mid-range zoom with a fixed F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. This allows photographers to shoot in various lighting conditions without needing to switch lenses. The fast aperture is particularly beneficial for low-light situations, giving users the ability to capture sharp, clear images even when the light is less than ideal. Additionally, the wide aperture enables photographers to achieve a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and foreground to create stunning bokeh effects that are typically not possible with standard kit lenses.
Advanced Image Stabilization
For those who frequently shoot handheld, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM provides impressive image stabilization. Coordinated control between the lens’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a camera’s In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) offers a stabilization effect of up to 7.5 stops at the center and 7.0 stops at the corners. This advanced stabilization allows for smooth and steady shots, even in challenging shooting conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. For cameras without IBIS, the lens still delivers effective stabilization with 5.5 stops of correction, making it a versatile tool for various Canon RF-mount bodies.
Durable and Weather-Resistant
Despite its compact size, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM is built to withstand tough conditions. Its construction is equivalent to Canon’s L-series lenses, known for their impressive durability and weather-resistant capabilities. This makes the lens suitable for use in harsh environments, whether you’re shooting in the rain, dust, or extreme temperatures. The robust build ensures that the lens can handle the rigors of professional use without compromising on performance.
Outstanding Optical Performance
Canon has equipped the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM with advanced optical elements to ensure superior image quality. The lens features two Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) elements that minimize chromatic aberration, enhancing clarity and sharpness from edge to edge. Additionally, two aspheric elements are included to further reduce optical imperfections, ensuring that your photos and videos are crisp and detailed. This combination of elements provides outstanding optical performance that rivals more expensive lenses, making it an excellent choice for creators seeking high image quality.
Perfect for Video Creators
Video creators will also appreciate the features packed into this lens. It offers incredibly minimal focus breathing, which is a common issue when adjusting focus during video recording. This feature helps prevent distracting shifts in the image. The RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM uses a leadscrew-type STM (Stepping Motor) for fast and quiet autofocus, making it ideal for both stills and video work. The quiet operation ensures that the lens won’t interfere with audio recording, while the smooth focus transitions contribute to professional-looking video footage.
Ideal Everyday Carry Lens
With its combination of light weight, compact size, and high performance, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM is an excellent everyday carry lens. Whether you’re capturing moments on a family vacation, shooting street photography, or creating content for your next YouTube video, this lens offers versatility. It can handle a wide range of scenarios. Its mid-range zoom covers popular focal lengths, making it a highly adaptable choice for most shooting situations.
Price and Release Date
The Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens is priced at $1,099 and can be pre-ordered through B&H Photo Video and Adorama. Shipping will begin on September 26, 2024, so eager content creators can get their hands on this versatile lens soon.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM specifications
- Focal Length: 28 to 70mm
- Lens Mount: Canon RF
- Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
- Angle of View: 75° to 34°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 9.4″ / 24 cm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.24x
- Optical Design: 15 Elements in 12 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 9 Rounded
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Front Filter Size: 67 mm
- Dimensions: 76.5 x 92.2 mm
- Length at Maximum Extension: 138.9 mm
- Weight: 1.1 lb / 495 g
Canon has also unveiled the Cinema EOS C80 super 35 cinema camera. It features a full-frame 6K BSI sensor, which allows users to shoot 6K RAW video at up to 30 fps and offers triple the base ISO. It includes an enhanced autofocus system, a 12G-SDI video output, a full-size HDMI port, a multi-function connector, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
The Canon EOS C80 is now available for pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com for $5,499.
