This is easily the best and most comprehensive review of this lens that anyone has published on UA-cam, including the bigger and older photography channels. Thanks very much.
Not naming channels but I don't want sample photos processed with an overly contrasted, out of date filter pack that you sell. Just give me an accurate representation of the color, sharpness, moiré of the lens. Not a terribly colored version. This review nailed it!
I’ve been searching credible reviews daily and have found ANY reviews outside of one. I literally searched hours before you posted and nothing new. Then I opened UA-cam and it was right there at the top of my algorithm like a gift. I’ve watched like 4 times. Thank you!
This is a wonderful review! Love how you compared it to so many different lenses and even included the part on the number of steps needed to compensate for the 28mm v 24mm ! Love your videos ❤
Great review!!! Just bought one and i sold my 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8 and EF to RF adaptor and EF 24-70 f2.8 for 2200$ Australian and bought this lens for $1550 brand new after comparing all these lenses side by side and pixel peeping!!! Best buy ever...Better bokeh than 50mm and 35 mm.....In love with this lens...Thanks James for helping make this decision
@@mishaesev7374Yes it is . This lens has amazing bokeh. I compared my 50 and 35 and this was blurring the background more than the other two mainly due to the possibility of zooming into 70mm as well. Also this lens has IS which made my decision easy.
@@JustinPeterAustralia I got 28-70mm.. And now I’ve been wondering if rf35mm would perform considerably better indoors being brighter and also provide better separation/bokeh at 35mm.. It’s hard to justify it if it’s only marginally better for it’s price On the other hand, rf50 is so light (and cheap) that I feel like it’s just so easy and fun vs handling a 500g zoom lens that I might still just get one.
James, Really well done, thorough and methodical review. I’ve owned three copies of the rf24-105 f4 over the years and just never grew to like it. Am so encouraged by your review and will likely pick this new 28-70 f2.8 up. Cheers
Wow, thank you for your review!!! I knew I could count on you for this great review. I am really surprised on the new lens performance. I didn't think it would outperform the 24-105 like this. I did trade my 24-105 for the 28-70 2.8. The vignette don't really bother me since I'm always editing my files anyways. I prefer the 2.8 over the 4.0 for video and the weight for gimbal is awesome. As always great video.
Thank you so much for watching! It’s possible I had a weak copy of the 24-105 here as in the past I have found it to perform a bit better centrally at least. I’m still confident that this new lens at least matches its performance though considering how well it performs against all the other lenses. Canon did a great job with this release!
Used it during my 3 week vacation. It was expensive but I'm glad I got it. It's a great lens paired with R8 for photo and video. Basically never took it off my camera.
Christmas came early!!! This is exactly the type of comparison and analysis I was waiting so long for! Thank you so much! This has definitely influenced my decision to get one! The size and weight is perfect for me. i can’t wait to see how it performs in the dessert and a follow up travel video!
@ even after a few months, there just isn’t anyone doing the comparison that was done here! i’ve been dying to see a head to head with the 24-105. the other two was such a nice bonus. thank you!
I just bought the 28-70 STM for a trip to Alaska for both video & photos. It worked really well. I own the L 24-70 USM but its big & heavy for travel when youre shooting all day.
I bought that lens for My R8 and IT repleased everything except 100-400 IS STM. Just love it small and lightweight and dead silent lens. Dont need anything else.
Great comparison. These Canon mid priced lenses are important for the working photographer. Performance and price is critical for my work. I am event shooter. I work in crowded environments. Recently someone knock over my tripod and crushed my 70-200mm L lens. That was a $2700 loss for me. This is so needed out in the field. For years I used Sigma lenses the were reasonably priced and lower risk in the field. I am always on edge when using my 28-70 f2 and my 86 1.2 both $3000 lenses in the field. Studio work is different. Info rarely get to work in a controlled environment.
Been waiting specifically for your review on this lens for a couple of weeks now!! Glad to see it and hyped to get this lens. Thank you for making the video!
THANK YOU! I don't care about a sharpness grid... show me real world. This was all I needed to make an informed decision. Will still stick with the 28-70 f2 for most of the wedding day but switching to this for the reception will hopefully really help my back on long days.
Awesome. Thanks for the most anticipated review for the budget photographers like me. I will purchase this lens and sell my 24-105mm STM (F4-7.1) lens.
Excellent and complete lens comparison. The 24-70 f2.8 lens is the most balanced. It's hard to think of anything better. Fast and accurate focusing, sharp across the entire frame field for photos, small focus breathing for videos. The focal length range covers most of the needs. I take it on a trip or a combination of 15-35 2.8 plus 70-200 f4.
Also, this is a really great review and comparison! I've been using the Tamron G2 24-70 adapted for the last year or so. It's a great lens, but man is it heavy! The biggest appeal of this new 28-70 is its weight. Seriously considering trading up to this lens!
Excellent effort in making this monster comparison. Looks really solid for 28mm-friendly travelers or everyday shooters. Excited to try at some point... not sure if the retractable design is something I could get past or not. If you have dark skies on the desert trip I'd love to see some star shots. Travel safe!
Thanks for watching Dan! I hope you get your hands on one soon, would love to know what you think of it. I’ll try to get some nightscape shots with it too
Thanks James for yet again one of the best reviews and comparisons available on the whole internet. I much appreciate the efforts you're seeing to give us comprehensive comparisons and your insights. It's a lot of work you're putting together but it's really worth it! One thing I would have loved to hear is your view on which is best bang for the buck - I understood the new kid in the block caught your attention if you even consider selling the 24-70mm. Keep them great videos coming! :)
Waaaw I'm only at 7mn of the video but I must say, I love the comprehensive benchmark across all parameters over the 4 lenses. Thank you for the effort !
Got this lens as soon as it was available and sold my EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM, shedding half the weight, when you take the EF to RF adapter into account. I call this my "No-eL" lens. Merry Christmas! I put a green rubber band on it, with a few red twist-ties as a bit of a seasonal joke. PS I have the RF 16mm and 85mm primes, which extend the range at both ends, and the EF 200mm F2.8L II as well (and the EF 1.4x TC). Interesting thing is that the Sigma RF-S 18-50mm f2.8 covers a similar range on my R7, and its images look similar - but my R6 Mark II does better at higher ISOs.
I’m deciding between the RF Sigma and this one right now for my R7 , I’m not sure if I’ll move to FF but I’m not bothered about it not being 24-70 on my r7 my more interested in getting a better quality zoom than my rf -s 18-150mm , any advice ? Thanks
@@MosleydollMUA The Sigma has the advantage of size and weight and goes wider, the Canon 28-70 2.8 has a bit more reach and IS but weighs more. Image quality on each is good. Depends on your needs. The main drawback to the kit lens is the slow f-stop - it's not bad otherwise.
Incredible thorough review! Appreciate all the work it must have taken to do this. Your comparisons are the best! Can't wait to see if you decide to sell the RF 24-70 2.8 for this because I'm considering the same. The L weight definitely limits its use for me. Other than 4mm, what really is the drawback vs the L? Thank you.
Thanks for this review. That retractable lens design is a deal breaker for me and good to know. Great bargain priced lens to be sure but having to remember to position the lens zoom is just one more headache to contend with during high pressure shoots. I also think it makes the lens more vulnerable to damage and dirt. I hope we see FF RF lens manufacture opened up in the near future.
I thought you missed focus on the 24-105, but damn is it really that soft at the long end? I know it's one of the older RF lenses, but the sharpness drops off so much.
This is an amazing in depth comparison and exactly what I've been looking for on this lens (I actually wish all lens reviews were this thorough). Can't wait to hear how your experience goes when traveling at the end of the month. I'm also trying to decide to go with that or keep my 24-70 f2.8, mainly because I do an equal mix of video work and the lighter weight is more ideal for balancing on my gimbal.
Great review, James! You are one of the first to review this one and the comparisons make soooo much sense !!! As always, hitting on the stuff that really matters, I enjoyed it a lot but had difficulty not getting confused with all these lenses being so close in naming, except for the 24-105, but that is probably just me. And yes, the 24-105 f/4 shows its limitations but... it is 1500€ here in Belgium, while this 28-70 f/2.8 is almost as expensive at 1319€. Here are my thoughts: yes, the new 28-70 looks really sharp. But if you have the 28-70 L f/2, would you replace it with the new 2.8, really? The f/2 is a lot larger and 3 times as expensive, so for somebody on a budget the new 28-70 is .... too expensive still. I find it cannot match the 24-105 in versatility and budget people are not going to buy a bag full of lenses. In my mind it is not good enough for pros and too expensive and specialized for budget photographers. Compare the new 28-70 for street and landscape with the 28mm f/2.8 pancake at 360 € only and you'll know what I mean. The 35 f/1.8 is 590€ , the 50 f/1.8 is 240€ and the 85 f/2 is 720€. Add those primes up: 360+590+240+720 is 1910€ worth of brighter kit with a wider reach. I already have the 28, so for me it would be 1550€. I would not hesitate a second. I'd go for the brighter primes. In my mind it does have a place with video makers, trying to compete (and failing to?) with Sigma. So many compromises have been made to make it light weight. If this were a 600 $ lens, yes, but at 1300+€ this is by no means a bargain. The only thing this lens has going for it in my mind is the fact that Canon has no competition on RF full frame. I'm pretty sure when Chris Frost looks at this one it will not get the highly recommended score.
Thank you Philippe! I hope you are well. It was definitely a confusing one to put together at times, we have so many standard zooms now! Yes I agree I wish Canon priced this at under €1000, as usual as Canon shooters we seem to pay more than everyone else whilst making allowances for strange design choices. I'm excited to see what other reviews think of this lens.
Your comments and especially the comparisons are very complete, better than any other video I usually watch. Perhaps, it would be useful additional information if you mention your opinion on contrast and tint differences, although it is quite clear in the comparisons you show. Thank you very much James for your thorough work. I will share it in the Canonistas argentinos group I manage.
I think if more people buy this 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM and it is the first STM lens to have weather sealed, that would enable Canon to make more weather sealed STM lens.
Thank you for this review James. I was waiting for it :). I am not very pleased with digital lens corrections, but that's the route Canon seems to take.
Super interesting finding regarding the sharpness. I use a 15-35 a lot and when I use my 24-70 I mostly use it at 40 to 70mm. Makes me tempted to sell my 24-70 and buy the 28-70, then spend the spare money on a trip or 2 five guys meals
I was very happy to find that, on an R7 (APS-C), the new 28-70mm IS STM f/2.8 produces pinpoint stars corner to corner on astrophotos! Some chromatic aberration on bright stars, and very slight coma in the very corners, so not perfect (no such thing exists anyway), but not bad and easily corrected in post. This level of performance is throughout the zoom range. I was not expecting such excellent performance on astro, so I'm very happy indeed. (Ditto the 85mm f/2.0 prime, too, btw.)
I really was expecting a comparison between 24-105 f4 and 28-70 stm! I was trying to figure out which one to purchase. Thank you so much! Greetings from Greece!
Superb comparison! Have been looking for this to potentially replace my current travel lens: the 24-105 STM. In terms of getting a wider shot than 28mm for those close space, you can always take multiple vertical shots and stitch them together in lightroom. I also take the 16mm pancake for those super wide landscape occasions ;-).
Such a fantastic comparison thank you as always 😊 this new one is certainly on my shopping list for next year. Currently using the Sigma EF 24-70 but my aim next year is to ditch using the adapter and go fully native RF so having this one at a decent price point definitely will help as there’s no way I can afford the others lol. Nice to see this one holds up in most areas compared to the much more expensive options.
I can’t wait for the day Canon makes a 50-135mm lens, 35-105mm, or even 50-105mm for us portrait photographers that also do travel documentation! 24-70 not enough reach and 70-200 is not wide enough. And not all photographers need that snappy nano-usm so I’m glad this new stm is quick enough! Please Canon!
Hi James, thank you for your extensive and very informative review of the RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM lens and how it stacks up against some of Canon's other L series lenses. I'm amazed by the clarity of this new lens compared to the RF 24-105 F4 that I was contemplating purchasing when this new lens came out. One of the things you mentioned that was a little bit of a negative for me was the loss in wide angle distance in paticular for travel photos. However, I think I might have over come this with the purchased an RF 16 mm F2.8 previously that would cover off wide angle images nicely. So I guess the long and the short is, I will purchase this new lens as the quality is excellent stacked up against the RF 24-105 F4, which costs quite a bit more. I've recently upgraded from my EF lenses 24-105 F4, EF 10-18 and 80D camera. I'd be interested in your travel photos and review of this lens when you get back. Tx. Kent
Wonderful review!!! I’m thinking to buy a Canon R8 (it would be my first full frame) but I don’t know if it would be better buy 24 105 f4 L lens or this 28 70 f2.8, do you think that in terms of sharpness it would be better this lens? Or the 24 105 f4 is better in general because it is an L lens? Thank you for your advice! 😊
Thank you! I have been waiting and waiting for a detailed and intelligent review. You really covered everything! I have an RF 24-105 f/4 and an EF 24-70 f/2.8 ii. The RF 28-70 f/2.8 looks like a really good value option with much better image quality and AF performance than I expected. Maybe it would be a nice option as a smaller, lighter all-arounder for my R5 and R8.
Thank you Allen! I think this lens would be a dream paired with the R8 in particular. It’s possible I had a weak copy of the 24-105 though, so bear in mind the sharpness results are probably most similar centrally at least
I primarily use my kit for travel & landscape. Weight is always a concern. I bought the 28-70 f2.8 shortly after it came out. Getting ready to sell my 24-104 f4 so my kit will be the 14-35 f4/ 24 f1.8/ 35 f1.8/ 28-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f4. these along with my R8 make a kit that is less than 7#. Easy on the back if I carry everything along with my Angelbird Cyan tripod. Usually I carry a 6 liter bag with the 35, the 16 f2.8, the 28-70 f2.8 and the 70-200 for everyday general use. about a 5# kit. Gets me most of what I want even indoors. the 28-70 f2.8 quickly became one of my favorites.
Another epic review James, I was interested to understand how it performs against the 24-70 f2.8 - seems a pretty capable lens for the price. The 35mm 1.8 and the 5.0mm 1.8 together in AUD is around $1200 and the 28-70 f2.8 is $1800, very sharp and fast and weather sealed. Interesting.
Great video! I have a 28-70 2.0, and love it, but when the new 2.8 got announced, I was curious if i should sell the 2.0 for this, mainly due to how much lighter and smaller it is. The debate continues haha, but this video helped!
Great to see these results. a lot of stuff posted online seemed to show that the lens was not great at 28mm. mid frame and corner sharpness werent great. doesnt seem to be the case here in this review. Would be great to do a vid comparing to third party lenses like the sigma as well
Yep I have seen the same findings, I can't say I've seen the same results. I could just have a particularly strong sample, I'm not sure. But 28-35 is probably it's weakest range.
Thank you for making this video! It seems like the 28-70 2.8 is very sharp compared to the 24-70 f2.8. If only the lens came out sooner as I already bought the 24-70. Looking forward to the review if you're going to keep the 28-70 over the 24-70!
Very helpful. 28mm definately isn't wide enough for the event and theater photography I do. But sometimes 24mm isn't either. I always carry two bodies and so a wide angle prime (EF 20mm?) on the other body will fix that problem. And if you need something longer than 70mm? As long as you nail focus, you can crop.
Very useful video, thank you! I'm very surprised at the poor performance of the 24-105 here. Especially compared to your review videos of the 24-105, where it seemed to hold up much better against the much more expensive L lenses, being just as sharp or close to it as the more expensive lenses. In this video it's just a blurry mess.
Excellent work as always James, you’re becoming a bit of an institution on here I think 🎉 I have the 28-70 f2 and it’s awesome but it’s a blumin beast and so unsuited to ‘walkaround’ travel. I had been using an olde worldy EF 28-105 mkII, which is surprisingly decent for the age and build quality, but that variable aperture and very poor performance at wide end has had me trying all sorts looking for decent compromise and this might finally be the Goldilocks. Especially the getting sharper at longer focal lengths characteristic, very unusual. But f4s just don’t cut it, and no point going 24-70 as it’s getting larger again, so maybe… just maybe this’ll be a winner. Quite pricey for non-L though heh?! Wonder when canon will open up RF to sigma on full frame 🤔💭 Thanks again 🙏
I've already added this lens to my kit. I concur with all of your observations and I'm really glad I picked this lens up. It's going to be great for travel. Thanks for a great review!
Thanks for this review and especially for the raw files. I have been underwhelmed by the two RF 24-105/4L lenses I've owned. Your files showed the 28-70 to be dramatically better than the 24-105. In fact the detail in the 24-105 was so smeared I wonder if there is a problem with that lens. Nevertheless, the 28-70 could be a replacement - the reduction in range is compensated by the brighter aperture and smaller size and weight.
My first one was sharper than the EF lens it replaced, but became decentered. The replacement was softer than the first, so I repaired the first. Its okay for event photography, but on my R5, but struggles when I print landscapes at A2 size (16x20 inch).
I was waiting for a nice zoom lense. Had my hopes up for Sigma. Did not expect Canon deliver themselves. But could spend 200 bucks more and get the 24-105 for the extra zoom. Might be great for travel and portraits at 105.
Wonderful review James. As a wedding shooter my 28-70 f/2 almost never leaves at least one of my cameras. I have the 24-105 f/4 as a travel/everyday lens. If anything I can see this review making me think about possibly selling the 24-105 f/4 for the new 28-70 f/2.8 as an everyday/travel lens.
I agree. I have the 24-105 for travel and 35mm + 85mm stm primes for portraits, but now I’m consider selling everything for this 28-70! Have you concluded what you’re going to do with your 24-105?
@@sheynewton9061 Still considering it. I'm leaning to selling the 24-105 f4 and getting this new 28-70 f2.8. My hesitation is that I'd be tradling an L lens for a non-L lens. I need more info about how durable it is.
First: What? you are english and i just notice this at the end?! Second: You prefer the new lens than the 24-70 2.8? Great video by the way. I don´t decide yet which i buy...
Thank you so much for this review! Many of us have been waiting for it. I’m impressed with the sharpness and overall quality of this lens. Now, for me, there’s only one last thing to find out. This lens (brand new) and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM (used) are available at the same price. Which one of these two would you choose?
Thank you for watching! For size and weight I would go for the new lens, otherwise I’m sure the EF lens is just as good optically with a bit of an extended focal range at the wide end. But that is a hard choice, I personally would rather not have to use an adapter
I think what this shows is the 24-70 2.8 is hands down one of the best standard zooms money can buy. Almost perfect across the board - the 28-70 is also a great option, I just think I’d miss those extra 4mm at the wide end.
An awesome review for one of my most anticipated lenses by my favorite photographer, thank you James! After this review I can only see one problem for this lens - the price!! Considering the Canon monopoly on FF R-mount and the fact that they ask ~1300eur in Europe for it, for the same price one could get a very similar performing Tamron 28-75 f2.8 VXD G2 for ~700eur in Sony E or Nikon Z mounts, and have 600eur left for used body from MPB (A7 II or Z5/Z6). :)
I refresh UA-cam and Reddit everyday just to see if anyone has this lens. The reviews just aren’t there. Thank you so much!
Really hope it helps!
@@JamesReader Thanks a lot, it does. Good to see Canon finally acknowledges the need for some weather proofing on those mid tier lenses.
@evertonwood3310 I also did one! ;) got it for 2 weeks now.
This is easily the best and most comprehensive review of this lens that anyone has published on UA-cam, including the bigger and older photography channels. Thanks very much.
I really appreciate that Bryan, thank you!
Not naming channels but I don't want sample photos processed with an overly contrasted, out of date filter pack that you sell. Just give me an accurate representation of the color, sharpness, moiré of the lens. Not a terribly colored version. This review nailed it!
I’ve been searching credible reviews daily and have found ANY reviews outside of one. I literally searched hours before you posted and nothing new. Then I opened UA-cam and it was right there at the top of my algorithm like a gift. I’ve watched like 4 times. Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Excellent comparison. Fantastic work. You compared this with even the primes. Simply superb
Thank you so much!
Finally a great review on the new RF 28-70 2.8 STM. Thanks James, I've been considering this lens and needed an honest review.
This is a wonderful review! Love how you compared it to so many different lenses and even included the part on the number of steps needed to compensate for the 28mm v 24mm ! Love your videos ❤
Thank you so much!!
I've been waiting so long for a good review on this! Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Some of the best reviews on UA-cam.
Thank you!
Great review!!! Just bought one and i sold my 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8 and EF to RF adaptor and EF 24-70 f2.8 for 2200$ Australian and bought this lens for $1550 brand new after comparing all these lenses side by side and pixel peeping!!! Best buy ever...Better bokeh than 50mm and 35 mm.....In love with this lens...Thanks James for helping make this decision
Thank you for watching Justin! Glad you're enjoying the lens
> Better bokeh than 50mm and 35 mm
How is it better?
@@mishaesev7374Yes it is . This lens has amazing bokeh. I compared my 50 and 35 and this was blurring the background more than the other two mainly due to the possibility of zooming into 70mm as well. Also this lens has IS which made my decision easy.
Also this lens can focus in less than 5 cm from the front element. So going close to the subject is possible when compared to a 50mm
@@JustinPeterAustralia
I got 28-70mm..
And now I’ve been wondering if rf35mm would perform considerably better indoors being brighter and also provide better separation/bokeh at 35mm..
It’s hard to justify it if it’s only marginally better for it’s price
On the other hand, rf50 is so light (and cheap) that I feel like it’s just so easy and fun vs handling a 500g zoom lens that I might still just get one.
Can’t thank you enough for the video! I was not sure which one to buy and now thanks to you the choice is easy!
Thank you! I'm really glad it helped
The kind of review we'd been waiting for since the lens was released. Brilliant work!
Thanks so much!
James, Really well done, thorough and methodical review. I’ve owned three copies of the rf24-105 f4 over the years and just never grew to like it. Am so encouraged by your review and will likely pick this new 28-70 f2.8 up. Cheers
Wow, thank you for your review!!! I knew I could count on you for this great review. I am really surprised on the new lens performance. I didn't think it would outperform the 24-105 like this. I did trade my 24-105 for the 28-70 2.8. The vignette don't really bother me since I'm always editing my files anyways. I prefer the 2.8 over the 4.0 for video and the weight for gimbal is awesome. As always great video.
Thank you so much for watching! It’s possible I had a weak copy of the 24-105 here as in the past I have found it to perform a bit better centrally at least. I’m still confident that this new lens at least matches its performance though considering how well it performs against all the other lenses. Canon did a great job with this release!
Great job! What an extensive comparison!!!
Thank you for watching!
@@JamesReadermy pleasure
Last night i was looked for this lens review on UA-cam but didn't find yours, then today u posted it 🥳
U are the bestt 🔥🔥
Thank you so much!
Excellent comparison, best so far on UA-cam
Thanks so much!
Used it during my 3 week vacation. It was expensive but I'm glad I got it. It's a great lens paired with R8 for photo and video. Basically never took it off my camera.
That’s awesome! I bet it pairs so well with the R8
@@JamesReader Yep, very nice and light combo. And it has IS - so it helps R8. Even handheld videos came out pretty well.
Damn you guys! Now I got to sell my tamron g2 24-70 to get this
You and Christopher Frost are the best reviewers!
That's awesome, thank you!
So much details in this video, thanks a lot
Thank you!
Wow I didn’t even realize they released this! Awesome!!
Comparison reviews are much more meaningful but require more work on your part. Thanks for this thorough comparison! Liked and subscribed.
Thank you!
I was just waiting for this review! Thanks
Thank you for watching!
I was waiting for someone to review this lens. Thank you! 😊
Thank you for watching!
Christmas came early!!! This is exactly the type of comparison and analysis I was waiting so long for! Thank you so much!
This has definitely influenced my decision to get one! The size and weight is perfect for me. i can’t wait to see how it performs in the dessert and a follow up travel video!
Awesome! Thank you for watching. Really glad the video helped.
@ even after a few months, there just isn’t anyone doing the comparison that was done here! i’ve been dying to see a head to head with the 24-105. the other two was such a nice bonus. thank you!
I just bought the 28-70 STM for a trip to Alaska for both video & photos. It worked really well. I own the L 24-70 USM but its big & heavy for travel when youre shooting all day.
Glad it worked well! I’m tempted to keep it for travel alone. Seems hard to beat for that
THIS is exactly the kind of review I was looking for. Thank you so much.
Thanks Johnny!
Excellent presentation, for us in Brazil we seek value for money, you were very clear about the quality of this lens
Thank you for watching!
28-70mm rf 2.8 is very underated lens, thank you for make this video
Totally agree! Thank you for watching
I bought that lens for My R8 and IT repleased everything except 100-400 IS STM. Just love it small and lightweight and dead silent lens. Dont need anything else.
me too sold 3 lenses
Great comparison. These Canon mid priced lenses are important for the working photographer. Performance and price is critical for my work. I am event shooter. I work in crowded environments. Recently someone knock over my tripod and crushed my 70-200mm L lens. That was a $2700 loss for me. This is so needed out in the field. For years I used Sigma lenses the were reasonably priced and lower risk in the field. I am always on edge when using my 28-70 f2 and my 86 1.2 both $3000 lenses in the field. Studio work is different. Info rarely get to work in a controlled environment.
Sorry to hear about your 70-200! That's a nightmare! I hope we see something like a lower priced, STM motor 70-180mm soon.
dude get some insurance. Easy solution to your issue.
Been waiting specifically for your review on this lens for a couple of weeks now!! Glad to see it and hyped to get this lens. Thank you for making the video!
Thank you for watching!
This has been the best review of this lens so far!
Great comparison.
Thank you so much!
Wow！Another excellent comparison! I love it and thank you so much for your hard work, James!
THANK YOU! I don't care about a sharpness grid... show me real world. This was all I needed to make an informed decision. Will still stick with the 28-70 f2 for most of the wedding day but switching to this for the reception will hopefully really help my back on long days.
Thank you so much!
Awesome. Thanks for the most anticipated review for the budget photographers like me. I will purchase this lens and sell my 24-105mm STM (F4-7.1) lens.
Thank you so much for watching!
This review covers exactly and in its entirety I was looking for. Thank you!
Awesome! Thank you for watching
Excellent and complete lens comparison. The 24-70 f2.8 lens is the most balanced. It's hard to think of anything better. Fast and accurate focusing, sharp across the entire frame field for photos, small focus breathing for videos. The focal length range covers most of the needs. I take it on a trip or a combination of 15-35 2.8 plus 70-200 f4.
Totally agree! That’s an amazing travel combo too!
Yes but you fail to mention it's faults big heavy and very expensive.
Also, this is a really great review and comparison! I've been using the Tamron G2 24-70 adapted for the last year or so. It's a great lens, but man is it heavy! The biggest appeal of this new 28-70 is its weight. Seriously considering trading up to this lens!
Excellent effort in making this monster comparison. Looks really solid for 28mm-friendly travelers or everyday shooters. Excited to try at some point... not sure if the retractable design is something I could get past or not. If you have dark skies on the desert trip I'd love to see some star shots. Travel safe!
Waiting for your review also!
Thanks for watching Dan! I hope you get your hands on one soon, would love to know what you think of it. I’ll try to get some nightscape shots with it too
@@JamesReader sweet, good luck!
They all look great honestly. That said, no regrets getting the 28-70F2; I love the look it gives.
The 28-70 is a special lens, probably the best rendering on a zoom lens in my opinion (on RF mount anyway)
Thanks James for yet again one of the best reviews and comparisons available on the whole internet. I much appreciate the efforts you're seeing to give us comprehensive comparisons and your insights. It's a lot of work you're putting together but it's really worth it! One thing I would have loved to hear is your view on which is best bang for the buck - I understood the new kid in the block caught your attention if you even consider selling the 24-70mm. Keep them great videos coming! :)
Waaaw I'm only at 7mn of the video but I must say, I love the comprehensive benchmark across all parameters over the 4 lenses. Thank you for the effort !
Thank you so much!
Got this lens as soon as it was available and sold my EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM, shedding half the weight, when you take the EF to RF adapter into account.
I call this my "No-eL" lens. Merry Christmas! I put a green rubber band on it, with a few red twist-ties as a bit of a seasonal joke.
PS I have the RF 16mm and 85mm primes, which extend the range at both ends, and the EF 200mm F2.8L II as well (and the EF 1.4x TC).
Interesting thing is that the Sigma RF-S 18-50mm f2.8 covers a similar range on my R7, and its images look similar - but my R6 Mark II does better at higher ISOs.
I’m deciding between the RF Sigma and this one right now for my R7 , I’m not sure if I’ll move to FF but I’m not bothered about it not being 24-70 on my r7 my more interested in getting a better quality zoom than my rf -s 18-150mm , any advice ? Thanks
@@MosleydollMUA The Sigma has the advantage of size and weight and goes wider, the Canon 28-70 2.8 has a bit more reach and IS but weighs more. Image quality on each is good. Depends on your needs. The main drawback to the kit lens is the slow f-stop - it's not bad otherwise.
had my eye on this one for a while and couldn't decide to get it or the 24-105. it's insane how much better the image quality is. great comparison!
So which one you opted for
Mate ?
Incredible thorough review! Appreciate all the work it must have taken to do this. Your comparisons are the best! Can't wait to see if you decide to sell the RF 24-70 2.8 for this because I'm considering the same. The L weight definitely limits its use for me. Other than 4mm, what really is the drawback vs the L? Thank you.
Great video man, super insightful - perfect buyers guide
Thank you!
Great lens - great review! Thank you!🙏 I already bought this lens when it was released and yh on my R8 I‘m really happy with it👍
Really glad you’re happy with it! I bet it’s great to use on the R8
I don’t know why you got only 20k of subscribers. Thanks for sharing helpful videos!
I really appreciate that. Thank you!
Thanks for this review. That retractable lens design is a deal breaker for me and good to know. Great bargain priced lens to be sure but having to remember to position the lens zoom is just one more headache to contend with during high pressure shoots. I also think it makes the lens more vulnerable to damage and dirt. I hope we see FF RF lens manufacture opened up in the near future.
I thought you missed focus on the 24-105, but damn is it really that soft at the long end? I know it's one of the older RF lenses, but the sharpness drops off so much.
Good review as always!
Thank you so much!
Great review and comparison.
Would have been interested to see a comparison between 70mm and the 85mm f2 prime.
How does this lens compare to the RF85mm 2.0 prime when it comes to portraits and sharpness?
Great work. Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Excellent video! I have the 24-70/2.8L and the 24-105/4L and wondered how this lens would compare. Thanks for a thorough comparison!
Thank you for detailed review of this interesting lens!
This is an amazing in depth comparison and exactly what I've been looking for on this lens (I actually wish all lens reviews were this thorough). Can't wait to hear how your experience goes when traveling at the end of the month. I'm also trying to decide to go with that or keep my 24-70 f2.8, mainly because I do an equal mix of video work and the lighter weight is more ideal for balancing on my gimbal.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it.
Awesomeness comparison! Totally enjoyed the review!
Thank you!
Great review, James! You are one of the first to review this one and the comparisons make soooo much sense !!! As always, hitting on the stuff that really matters, I enjoyed it a lot but had difficulty not getting confused with all these lenses being so close in naming, except for the 24-105, but that is probably just me.
And yes, the 24-105 f/4 shows its limitations but... it is 1500€ here in Belgium, while this 28-70 f/2.8 is almost as expensive at 1319€. Here are my thoughts: yes, the new 28-70 looks really sharp. But if you have the 28-70 L f/2, would you replace it with the new 2.8, really? The f/2 is a lot larger and 3 times as expensive, so for somebody on a budget the new 28-70 is .... too expensive still. I find it cannot match the 24-105 in versatility and budget people are not going to buy a bag full of lenses. In my mind it is not good enough for pros and too expensive and specialized for budget photographers. Compare the new 28-70 for street and landscape with the 28mm f/2.8 pancake at 360 € only and you'll know what I mean. The 35 f/1.8 is 590€ , the 50 f/1.8 is 240€ and the 85 f/2 is 720€. Add those primes up: 360+590+240+720 is 1910€ worth of brighter kit with a wider reach. I already have the 28, so for me it would be 1550€. I would not hesitate a second. I'd go for the brighter primes.
In my mind it does have a place with video makers, trying to compete (and failing to?) with Sigma. So many compromises have been made to make it light weight. If this were a 600 $ lens, yes, but at 1300+€ this is by no means a bargain. The only thing this lens has going for it in my mind is the fact that Canon has no competition on RF full frame. I'm pretty sure when Chris Frost looks at this one it will not get the highly recommended score.
Thank you Philippe! I hope you are well. It was definitely a confusing one to put together at times, we have so many standard zooms now! Yes I agree I wish Canon priced this at under €1000, as usual as Canon shooters we seem to pay more than everyone else whilst making allowances for strange design choices. I'm excited to see what other reviews think of this lens.
Your comments and especially the comparisons are very complete, better than any other video I usually watch. Perhaps, it would be useful additional information if you mention your opinion on contrast and tint differences, although it is quite clear in the comparisons you show. Thank you very much James for your thorough work. I will share it in the Canonistas argentinos group I manage.
Thank you so much for watching! I’ll definitely do that next time. I really appreciate you sharing the video too.
I think if more people buy this 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM and it is the first STM lens to have weather sealed, that would enable Canon to make more weather sealed STM lens.
I think you're right!
Exactly the review I was looking for. Thanks you!
Thank you for this review James. I was waiting for it :). I am not very pleased with digital lens corrections, but that's the route Canon seems to take.
Thank you for watching! Unfortunately the reliance on lens corrections seems to be here to stay
Super interesting finding regarding the sharpness. I use a 15-35 a lot and when I use my 24-70 I mostly use it at 40 to 70mm. Makes me tempted to sell my 24-70 and buy the 28-70, then spend the spare money on a trip or 2 five guys meals
That’s the same move I am debating! I just wonder if I will miss 24mm for video. If I only shot photo I think I would definitely swap.
I was very happy to find that, on an R7 (APS-C), the new 28-70mm IS STM f/2.8 produces pinpoint stars corner to corner on astrophotos! Some chromatic aberration on bright stars, and very slight coma in the very corners, so not perfect (no such thing exists anyway), but not bad and easily corrected in post. This level of performance is throughout the zoom range. I was not expecting such excellent performance on astro, so I'm very happy indeed. (Ditto the 85mm f/2.0 prime, too, btw.)
I really was expecting a comparison between 24-105 f4 and 28-70 stm! I was trying to figure out which one to purchase. Thank you so much! Greetings from Greece!
Thank you!
Superb comparison! Have been looking for this to potentially replace my current travel lens: the 24-105 STM. In terms of getting a wider shot than 28mm for those close space, you can always take multiple vertical shots and stitch them together in lightroom. I also take the 16mm pancake for those super wide landscape occasions ;-).
Such a fantastic comparison thank you as always 😊 this new one is certainly on my shopping list for next year. Currently using the Sigma EF 24-70 but my aim next year is to ditch using the adapter and go fully native RF so having this one at a decent price point definitely will help as there’s no way I can afford the others lol. Nice to see this one holds up in most areas compared to the much more expensive options.
I can’t wait for the day Canon makes a 50-135mm lens, 35-105mm, or even 50-105mm for us portrait photographers that also do travel documentation! 24-70 not enough reach and 70-200 is not wide enough. And not all photographers need that snappy nano-usm so I’m glad this new stm is quick enough! Please Canon!
Hi James, thank you for your extensive and very informative review of the RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM lens and how it stacks up against some of Canon's other L series lenses. I'm amazed by the clarity of this new lens compared to the RF 24-105 F4 that I was contemplating purchasing when this new lens came out. One of the things you mentioned that was a little bit of a negative for me was the loss in wide angle distance in paticular for travel photos. However, I think I might have over come this with the purchased an RF 16 mm F2.8 previously that would cover off wide angle images nicely. So I guess the long and the short is, I will purchase this new lens as the quality is excellent stacked up against the RF 24-105 F4, which costs quite a bit more. I've recently upgraded from my EF lenses 24-105 F4, EF 10-18 and 80D camera. I'd be interested in your travel photos and review of this lens when you get back. Tx. Kent
Wonderful review!!!
I’m thinking to buy a Canon R8 (it would be my first full frame) but I don’t know if it would be better buy 24 105 f4 L lens or this 28 70 f2.8, do you think that in terms of sharpness it would be better this lens? Or the 24 105 f4 is better in general because it is an L lens?
Thank you for your advice! 😊
Thank you! I have been waiting and waiting for a detailed and intelligent review. You really covered everything! I have an RF 24-105 f/4 and an EF 24-70 f/2.8 ii. The RF 28-70 f/2.8 looks like a really good value option with much better image quality and AF performance than I expected. Maybe it would be a nice option as a smaller, lighter all-arounder for my R5 and R8.
Thank you Allen! I think this lens would be a dream paired with the R8 in particular. It’s possible I had a weak copy of the 24-105 though, so bear in mind the sharpness results are probably most similar centrally at least
Been waiting for a review on this and you are always the guy 👑.
I'll be waiting for it get discounted before pouncing lol
Thank you Dan! Really appreciate that
I primarily use my kit for travel & landscape. Weight is always a concern. I bought the 28-70 f2.8 shortly after it came out. Getting ready to sell my 24-104 f4 so my kit will be the 14-35 f4/ 24 f1.8/ 35 f1.8/ 28-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f4. these along with my R8 make a kit that is less than 7#. Easy on the back if I carry everything along with my Angelbird Cyan tripod. Usually I carry a 6 liter bag with the 35, the 16 f2.8, the 28-70 f2.8 and the 70-200 for everyday general use. about a 5# kit. Gets me most of what I want even indoors. the 28-70 f2.8 quickly became one of my favorites.
Another epic review James, I was interested to understand how it performs against the 24-70 f2.8 - seems a pretty capable lens for the price. The 35mm 1.8 and the 5.0mm 1.8 together in AUD is around $1200 and the 28-70 f2.8 is $1800, very sharp and fast and weather sealed. Interesting.
Thank you for watching Tony! Definitely an interesting lens
This is SO helpful. Just what i needed. Thank you SO much.
Thank you for watching!
Great video! I have a 28-70 2.0, and love it, but when the new 2.8 got announced, I was curious if i should sell the 2.0 for this, mainly due to how much lighter and smaller it is. The debate continues haha, but this video helped!
Such a hard choice! The 28-70 is so big and heavy but incredible that I could see a use case for keeping both 😂
Great to see these results. a lot of stuff posted online seemed to show that the lens was not great at 28mm. mid frame and corner sharpness werent great. doesnt seem to be the case here in this review. Would be great to do a vid comparing to third party lenses like the sigma as well
Yep I have seen the same findings, I can't say I've seen the same results. I could just have a particularly strong sample, I'm not sure. But 28-35 is probably it's weakest range.
Thank you for making this video! It seems like the 28-70 2.8 is very sharp compared to the 24-70 f2.8. If only the lens came out sooner as I already bought the 24-70. Looking forward to the review if you're going to keep the 28-70 over the 24-70!
Thank you for watching!
Very helpful. 28mm definately isn't wide enough for the event and theater photography I do. But sometimes 24mm isn't either. I always carry two bodies and so a wide angle prime (EF 20mm?) on the other body will fix that problem. And if you need something longer than 70mm? As long as you nail focus, you can crop.
thanks for the review, mate!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you so much for this video!! Hard decision between the 24-105 and this one.
Thank you for watching! Yeah that's a tough choice. Both are fantastic and I really love the 24-105 range.
Very useful video, thank you! I'm very surprised at the poor performance of the 24-105 here. Especially compared to your review videos of the 24-105, where it seemed to hold up much better against the much more expensive L lenses, being just as sharp or close to it as the more expensive lenses. In this video it's just a blurry mess.
Excellent work as always James, you’re becoming a bit of an institution on here I think 🎉
I have the 28-70 f2 and it’s awesome but it’s a blumin beast and so unsuited to ‘walkaround’ travel.
I had been using an olde worldy EF 28-105 mkII, which is surprisingly decent for the age and build quality, but that variable aperture and very poor performance at wide end has had me trying all sorts looking for decent compromise and this might finally be the Goldilocks.
Especially the getting sharper at longer focal lengths characteristic, very unusual.
But f4s just don’t cut it, and no point going 24-70 as it’s getting larger again, so maybe… just maybe this’ll be a winner.
Quite pricey for non-L though heh?!
Wonder when canon will open up RF to sigma on full frame 🤔💭
Thanks again 🙏
Thank you so much Henry!
The fact that it's consistently outperforming a lens that's 3x the cost! definitely my next lens.
I've already added this lens to my kit. I concur with all of your observations and I'm really glad I picked this lens up. It's going to be great for travel. Thanks for a great review!
Thank you for watching Steve!
Amazing job! literally save me lots of money
Thank you!
thanks man, u help me so much
Thank you!
Bravo James !
Thank you!
Thanks for this review and especially for the raw files. I have been underwhelmed by the two RF 24-105/4L lenses I've owned. Your files showed the 28-70 to be dramatically better than the 24-105. In fact the detail in the 24-105 was so smeared I wonder if there is a problem with that lens. Nevertheless, the 28-70 could be a replacement - the reduction in range is compensated by the brighter aperture and smaller size and weight.
What made you feel underwhelmed with those two 24-105 F4 L's?
My first one was sharper than the EF lens it replaced, but became decentered. The replacement was softer than the first, so I repaired the first. Its okay for event photography, but on my R5, but struggles when I print landscapes at A2 size (16x20 inch).
Thanks for the test! Would love to see the review before purchasing this non-L-everyone-else lens
I was waiting for a nice zoom lense. Had my hopes up for Sigma. Did not expect Canon deliver themselves. But could spend 200 bucks more and get the 24-105 for the extra zoom. Might be great for travel and portraits at 105.
Wonderful review James. As a wedding shooter my 28-70 f/2 almost never leaves at least one of my cameras. I have the 24-105 f/4 as a travel/everyday lens. If anything I can see this review making me think about possibly selling the 24-105 f/4 for the new 28-70 f/2.8 as an everyday/travel lens.
I agree. I have the 24-105 for travel and 35mm + 85mm stm primes for portraits, but now I’m consider selling everything for this 28-70! Have you concluded what you’re going to do with your 24-105?
@@sheynewton9061 Still considering it. I'm leaning to selling the 24-105 f4 and getting this new 28-70 f2.8. My hesitation is that I'd be tradling an L lens for a non-L lens. I need more info about how durable it is.
Thanks for review, very comprehensive!
Thank you for watching!
First: What? you are english and i just notice this at the end?!
Second: You prefer the new lens than the 24-70 2.8?
Great video by the way.
I don´t decide yet which i buy...
love from india❣very well explain best review on you tube 💯
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for this review! Many of us have been waiting for it. I’m impressed with the sharpness and overall quality of this lens. Now, for me, there’s only one last thing to find out.
This lens (brand new) and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM (used) are available at the same price. Which one of these two would you choose?
Thank you for watching! For size and weight I would go for the new lens, otherwise I’m sure the EF lens is just as good optically with a bit of an extended focal range at the wide end. But that is a hard choice, I personally would rather not have to use an adapter
I think what this shows is the 24-70 2.8 is hands down one of the best standard zooms money can buy. Almost perfect across the board - the 28-70 is also a great option, I just think I’d miss those extra 4mm at the wide end.
Totally agree!
An awesome review for one of my most anticipated lenses by my favorite photographer, thank you James!
After this review I can only see one problem for this lens - the price!! Considering the Canon monopoly on FF R-mount and the fact that they ask ~1300eur in Europe for it, for the same price one could get a very similar performing Tamron 28-75 f2.8 VXD G2 for ~700eur in Sony E or Nikon Z mounts, and have 600eur left for used body from MPB (A7 II or Z5/Z6). :)
Thank you for watching! Totally agree. I really hope we see the price go down on this lens over the next few months
Might seem crazy but would love to see how it compares to cheaper super zoom 24-240
That would be an interesting comparison!