Dear Dustin, the years go by and this channel continues to have the highest standard of quality and reliability in its reviews. For me the most reliable on UA-cam. Thanks! Congratulations and greetings from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
Every time I strongly consider switching to Sony due to the lack of affordable good glass something like this comes out. I am still skeptical Canon is dedicated to the “prosumer” market these days. But this is a great step. I hope we don’t have to wait a year for another lens like this.
That's a fair assessment all around. Canon has the ability to do more than what they have. They really need to open up their lens mount and get some competition on the platform.
The size of the RF28mm and 50mm are what has me very interested in the R system from the lens side of things. Without these 2 lenses I would prefer Sony or Nikon, this way it’s a tie.
Canon is effing up. They have high end Rf lenses a plenty, at a premium pricing (excluding inflation and FX rates), but their *entry* level is either very slow zooms (worse than the last gen affordable EF entry and mid- range zooms), or these meh primes that are relatively slow, mid level prices and not that special - some have IS, a closer MFD, but extending barrels, no weather sealing, and relatively slow. Compared to Sony and Nikon the Canon offering is simply meh. So for higher prices we get little better benefit of the RF system here. Canon simply offers no mid price range lenses with comparable performance. Nikon prices of the f/1.8 range is higher, but so is the performance, these are really mid range lenses.
This was the first lens I have ever pre-ordered (though the new 200-800 is giving that strong contention). I had been wanting a light and small option for situations where I didn't want to haul a larger lens around as well as something more discreet. I had been considering getting in line for a Fuji X100 or even a Leica Q2 or Q3, but this lens filled that gap for me. I assumed given the price and that it's a pancake lens there would be some trade off, especially in the IQ department, but it would at least be "usable" for snapshots. I was pretty shocked how well this lens performed when I threw it on my R5 and have been saying since I got it that it performs WAY above its weight class. I really enjoy shooting with it and have been very impressed with the images it produces. I'm really enjoying the combination of this lens, the R5 and the Peak Design Clutch hand strap.
Dustin, I just picked up a JJC brand hood from Amazon for this lens. It works great and only adds about a 1/4 inch to the thickness of the lens. The hood cost $13.00 and is made of aluminum. It reduces the lens flare quite well. Nice lens review.
Adding another comment to this vid as I've now owned this lens for 3 months and I absolutely love it! Really impressive what it can do while being so tiny. I've had people or friends walk to me and ask why I was shooting without a lens on lol... I can now say that I have a full line-up of lenses + camera I have bought after watching your reviews and regret buying none of them! So while I'm now broke, I'm satisfied. Small note, I found a slightly weird behaviour. This lens, while attached to my R6 mk2 drains the battery of my camera even if it is turned off. The first signs showed up when trying to remove the memory card or battery while the lens was attached: the lens would vibrate for a moment, indicating that something was still running in there. I didn't think much of it then. But then, I charged my battery fully one day, kept the lens on, drove 2 hours a couple of days later for a hike, pressed the "on" button and nothing happened. That was definitely frustrating! So I tested it again purposely while at home and found that the battery would gradually drain if I kept the lens on. Not sure how this is happening or if this is even common as it's my only native RF lens, but I would recommend anyone who buys the lens to unmount it when done shooting.
I've cost a lot of people a lot of money! I would reach out to Canon about that battery drain issue. There might be a need for a firmware update to fix it.
Great review! You e sold me on the lens for my R62. Just a note on focus speed. STM lenses were never meant to rack focus fast, but rather smooth in the rack itself. USM is there if you want speed.
I actually find the rendering to be really good, especially for such a tiny and inexpensive lens. Many lenses that are much more expensive would do worse in these situations. 😊
I love this lens, my new walkabout lens. Just need canon to bring out an r5 in a range finder body for a really compact solution. Give Leica a run for their money 😊
a good choice for everyday use.7artisans also has good manual lenses for rf system and my go to is the 12mm f2.8 .Great render and good performance.Although i am sony shooter from the old days and nex series always liked can9n ergonomics and colours.r10 is a great start for amateurs and 2nd camera for pros . Excellent and theral presentation
7 rounded blades is a bit unfortunate - usually not enough to keep circular highlights for those that value them, too many (and rounded) to have really nice sunstars. I'd be unironically interested to hear why, during the design process, that particular diaphragm was chosen. That aside, I love this type of lens that you can toss into your bag with no second thought because it's optically sound and weighs nothing. Thank you for an, as always, exhaustive and insightful review.
Very complete and informative review as always. If you have you chose, did you prefere the 28 or the 35 RF 1.8? I have an eos R with an adapted ef 85 1.8 and 50 1.4, I'm really struggling to decide between the 28 and 35 to complete the kit! 28 is so tiny and light, 35 maybe more flexible, very good ibis and with better bokeh?
That really depends on whether you feel you need the macro performance of the 35mm. If not, I'd probably lean towards this 28mm. I liked the rendering better than the 35mm (though, to be fair, it has been about four years since I've tested the 35mm).
I have and will keep both. 28mm is great for family portraits in theme parks or urban environments. 35mm gives me punchier color and more microcontrasts.
@@DustinAbbottTWI So the control switch operation algorithm looks like this, right? MF - Autofocus Off, the ring operates a manual focus. Control - Autofocus On, the ring operates the function that I've chosen in camera. AF - Autofocus On, the ring disabled. Correct me please if I'm wrong :)
Hi Dustin…another great detailed review. Quick question, I’m looking for a wide angle for Astro. My L glass is f/4 16-35 & 24-105 does ok for Astro, but looking for a wide and light option for my tracker. So the question is between this and the 16mm…what would you choose? I’m aware of the focal difference, but looking for the best quality. The only other benefit I see for this Les is is street photography capability. Thx
With wider focal lengths you are also better off using extension tubes, which offer a higher increase in magnification than diopters. One 18mm tube would bring you to almost 1:1 reproduction already on the pancake.
Yes but the problem with extension tubes is the even the shortest available (10-11mm) will leave a gap between the normal close focus and the far limit using the tube. My answer that worked well for me was a helicoid EF-FR adapter on a manual focus lens which allows 0 to 15mm extension as required. The NiSi option seems to work on a 35mm lens but some lens designs vignette so I agree that extension is the better option with wide lenses. @@xsagiliax
I own and use a Canon R100 camera. I have the EF mount 70-200mm constant f2.8 lens that I use on my R100 via an adaptor. In the past I used a f2.8 100mm lens, and that lens has super awesome bokeh. Now that I've experienced f2.8 aperture of those two mentioned lenses. I can not go back to slower aperture. I am interested in the Sigma 18-50mm constant f2.8 RF-s lens. I like the prime lenses (and am most interested in) Canon offers for $200-$300. Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens, Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, and Used Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens Excellent Plus condition. I think I will get the prime lenses I listed in this message before I get the Sigma. As the Sigma is $600. I like RF full frame mount better than crop sensor. So If I upgrade to a full Frame camera in the future I will have the RF mount full frame glass. On Canon crop sensor APS-C you multiply the lens by 1.6 to get the true “crop” measurements. Every lens on crop sensor is less wide and zoomed in, as compared to full frame sensor. I really like your tests demonstrated in this video of the RF 28mm prime lens. I like that you use paper money with its detail and various fstop settings. Based on your tests in this video of the 28mm f2.8 lens I feel confident buying the lens and adding it to my kit.
RF mount so it will fit an R50. I have been awaiting the reviews before I acquire one for my R50, though I have full frame RF mount cameras that I shall use it with, too.
This new generation of slow lenses on the mirrorless FF mounts from Canon and Nikon are looking increasingly ridiculous with their wide diameter, tiny front glass element and plastic to fill the space… Is this the mirrorless revolution? Remember the EF 40mm pancake? USD 199,- on release. This is not pushing the limits of technology, but using the new mount as an excuse to raise prices. yes, it is a 28mm pancake.
Well, to be fair, I would say this is a better lens than the 40mm was (I did like that lens and owned it for years). But there's no question that Canon's pricing on RF is definitely escalated.
Dear Dustin, you think it´s capable to work in a wedding ambient? with low light and we need fast focus. It´s light, that´s is wonderful to work several hours within extra weight. TNX!
![The Complete Story of Destiny! From origins to Shadowkeep [Timeline and Lore explained]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9mbDXvDNqTU/mqdefault.jpg)
Dear Dustin, the years go by and this channel continues to have the highest standard of quality and reliability in its reviews. For me the most reliable on UA-cam.
Thanks! Congratulations and greetings from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
Along with Gordon Laing, always my first ports of call.
I agree!
I couldn‘t agree more!
That's very high praise. Thank you very much.
I gree! @@hedley.bradstone-unbridled
The best part about this lens is that it and my R8 fit sideways into my sling bag, almost as good as a compact camera.
Absolutely.
If only the R8 had IBIS (or this lens had IS).
Every time I strongly consider switching to Sony due to the lack of affordable good glass something like this comes out. I am still skeptical Canon is dedicated to the “prosumer” market these days. But this is a great step. I hope we don’t have to wait a year for another lens like this.
That's a fair assessment all around. Canon has the ability to do more than what they have. They really need to open up their lens mount and get some competition on the platform.
Yeah. I want to dive into Canon, but they make it so hard vs Sony! 🤦♂️
The size of the RF28mm and 50mm are what has me very interested in the R system from the lens side of things. Without these 2 lenses I would prefer Sony or Nikon, this way it’s a tie.
Canon is effing up.
They have high end Rf lenses a plenty, at a premium pricing (excluding inflation and FX rates), but their *entry* level is either very slow zooms (worse than the last gen affordable EF entry and mid- range zooms), or these meh primes that are relatively slow, mid level prices and not that special - some have IS, a closer MFD, but extending barrels, no weather sealing, and relatively slow. Compared to Sony and Nikon the Canon offering is simply meh. So for higher prices we get little better benefit of the RF system here. Canon simply offers no mid price range lenses with comparable performance. Nikon prices of the f/1.8 range is higher, but so is the performance, these are really mid range lenses.
Where i live canon has 68 lenses for r mount sony has 212 lenses for ff mount! ( If including third party lenses)
This was the first lens I have ever pre-ordered (though the new 200-800 is giving that strong contention). I had been wanting a light and small option for situations where I didn't want to haul a larger lens around as well as something more discreet. I had been considering getting in line for a Fuji X100 or even a Leica Q2 or Q3, but this lens filled that gap for me. I assumed given the price and that it's a pancake lens there would be some trade off, especially in the IQ department, but it would at least be "usable" for snapshots. I was pretty shocked how well this lens performed when I threw it on my R5 and have been saying since I got it that it performs WAY above its weight class. I really enjoy shooting with it and have been very impressed with the images it produces. I'm really enjoying the combination of this lens, the R5 and the Peak Design Clutch hand strap.
That's part of the genius of choosing the 28mm focal length. It's not so wide as to create engineering problems and allowed them to do it well
Dustin, I just picked up a JJC brand hood from Amazon for this lens. It works great and only adds about a 1/4 inch to the thickness of the lens. The hood cost $13.00 and is made of aluminum. It reduces the lens flare quite well. Nice lens review.
Great tip!
Adding another comment to this vid as I've now owned this lens for 3 months and I absolutely love it! Really impressive what it can do while being so tiny. I've had people or friends walk to me and ask why I was shooting without a lens on lol...
I can now say that I have a full line-up of lenses + camera I have bought after watching your reviews and regret buying none of them! So while I'm now broke, I'm satisfied.
Small note, I found a slightly weird behaviour. This lens, while attached to my R6 mk2 drains the battery of my camera even if it is turned off. The first signs showed up when trying to remove the memory card or battery while the lens was attached: the lens would vibrate for a moment, indicating that something was still running in there. I didn't think much of it then. But then, I charged my battery fully one day, kept the lens on, drove 2 hours a couple of days later for a hike, pressed the "on" button and nothing happened. That was definitely frustrating! So I tested it again purposely while at home and found that the battery would gradually drain if I kept the lens on. Not sure how this is happening or if this is even common as it's my only native RF lens, but I would recommend anyone who buys the lens to unmount it when done shooting.
I've cost a lot of people a lot of money! I would reach out to Canon about that battery drain issue. There might be a need for a firmware update to fix it.
@@DustinAbbottTWI good point!
A long awaited review. Thank you_
You're welcome.
Great review! You e sold me on the lens for my R62.
Just a note on focus speed. STM lenses were never meant to rack focus fast, but rather smooth in the rack itself.
USM is there if you want speed.
That's not entirely true. STM lens speed varies widely by application, as does USM. I do prefer Canon's Nano-USM motors, though.
I just read Canon Europe’s article on it and it’s really interesting. Didn’t even know there was Micro USM now.
As always, great details. Just wonder if you recommend this one or RF 35mm for R8 workaround lens?
I'd actually lean towards this lens. It's a lot of fun, and will really keep things compact and light.
I actually find the rendering to be really good, especially for such a tiny and inexpensive lens. Many lenses that are much more expensive would do worse in these situations. 😊
I completely agree. I actually really like the look of images from the lens. I plan to add one to my own kit.
@@DustinAbbottTWI me too! Can't wait for Christmas
I love this lens, my new walkabout lens. Just need canon to bring out an r5 in a range finder body for a really compact solution. Give Leica a run for their money 😊
Something like the Sony a7C series. That would be nice.
a good choice for everyday use.7artisans also has good manual lenses for rf system and my go to is the 12mm f2.8 .Great render and good performance.Although i am sony shooter from the old days and nex series always liked can9n ergonomics and colours.r10 is a great start for amateurs and 2nd camera for pros . Excellent and theral presentation
7 rounded blades is a bit unfortunate - usually not enough to keep circular highlights for those that value them, too many (and rounded) to have really nice sunstars. I'd be unironically interested to hear why, during the design process, that particular diaphragm was chosen.
That aside, I love this type of lens that you can toss into your bag with no second thought because it's optically sound and weighs nothing.
Thank you for an, as always, exhaustive and insightful review.
Truthfully I suspect the answer is cost. I've seen a similar design in a lot of inexpensive lenses.
Very complete and informative review as always. If you have you chose, did you prefere the 28 or the 35 RF 1.8? I have an eos R with an adapted ef 85 1.8 and 50 1.4, I'm really struggling to decide between the 28 and 35 to complete the kit! 28 is so tiny and light, 35 maybe more flexible, very good ibis and with better bokeh?
That really depends on whether you feel you need the macro performance of the 35mm. If not, I'd probably lean towards this 28mm. I liked the rendering better than the 35mm (though, to be fair, it has been about four years since I've tested the 35mm).
I have and will keep both. 28mm is great for family portraits in theme parks or urban environments. 35mm gives me punchier color and more microcontrasts.
R8+ 28mm is my daily and studio setup with focus breathing compensation ON.
It's a surprisingly strong little lens.
Thanks for review, Dustin! I would like to clarify one moment - if I put the switch in the "Control" position, autofocus will work or not?
Autofocus works fine; the ring will work for control rather than manual focus.
@@DustinAbbottTWI So the control switch operation algorithm looks like this, right?
MF - Autofocus Off, the ring operates a manual focus.
Control - Autofocus On, the ring operates the function that I've chosen in camera.
AF - Autofocus On, the ring disabled.
Correct me please if I'm wrong :)
@@vvlad78 That's correct
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks a lot!
Hi Dustin…another great detailed review. Quick question, I’m looking for a wide angle for Astro. My L glass is f/4 16-35 & 24-105 does ok for Astro, but looking for a wide and light option for my tracker. So the question is between this and the 16mm…what would you choose? I’m aware of the focal difference, but looking for the best quality. The only other benefit I see for this Les is is street photography capability. Thx
This one will probably deliver better results. the 16mm needs SO much correcting.
Where did you get the $ 50 new Taiwan dollar? It had been discontinued for more than 40 years.
I collected world currency when I was young. I suspect I got that from missionary friends probably that long ago.
Great photos, and excellent review!!
Thank you kindly!
I wonder how it would preform as a compact macro using a +diopter like the NiSi options.
Could be interesting, though with a shorter focal length you end up being right on top of your subject at macro distances.
With wider focal lengths you are also better off using extension tubes, which offer a higher increase in magnification than diopters. One 18mm tube would bring you to almost 1:1 reproduction already on the pancake.
Yes but the problem with extension tubes is the even the shortest available (10-11mm) will leave a gap between the normal close focus and the far limit using the tube. My answer that worked well for me was a helicoid EF-FR adapter on a manual focus lens which allows 0 to 15mm extension as required. The NiSi option seems to work on a 35mm lens but some lens designs vignette so I agree that extension is the better option with wide lenses. @@xsagiliax
Thanks for the review
My pleasure
I own and use a Canon R100 camera. I have the EF mount 70-200mm constant f2.8 lens that I use on my R100 via an adaptor. In the past I used a f2.8 100mm lens, and that lens has super awesome bokeh. Now that I've experienced f2.8 aperture of those two mentioned lenses. I can not go back to slower aperture. I am interested in the Sigma 18-50mm constant f2.8 RF-s lens. I like the prime lenses (and am most interested in) Canon offers for $200-$300. Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens, Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, and Used Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens Excellent Plus condition. I think I will get the prime lenses I listed in this message before I get the Sigma. As the Sigma is $600. I like RF full frame mount better than crop sensor. So If I upgrade to a full Frame camera in the future I will have the RF mount full frame glass. On Canon crop sensor APS-C you multiply the lens by 1.6 to get the true “crop” measurements. Every lens on crop sensor is less wide and zoomed in, as compared to full frame sensor. I really like your tests demonstrated in this video of the RF 28mm prime lens. I like that you use paper money with its detail and various fstop settings. Based on your tests in this video of the 28mm f2.8 lens I feel confident buying the lens and adding it to my kit.
It's definitely hard to go back to slow lenses when you are accustomed to faster ones.
What iPad case are you using in the beginning of the video?
I'm using this one: amzn.to/3ypPHPT
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you 💪🏼
So it's for full frame?? Not crop??
You can always use a full frame lens on crop, if that is what you're looking for. but yes, this is a full frame lens.
Can it be mounted on R50 ? Any problems you foresee ?
Ff equivalent 45mm which is great all purpose focal length.
Pls reply
RF mount so it will fit an R50. I have been awaiting the reviews before I acquire one for my R50, though I have full frame RF mount cameras that I shall use it with, too.
This will mount on any camera with an RF mount...including the R50.
@@DustinAbbottTWI 👍😊
@@hedley.bradstone-unbridled 👍🙏
Its about time Sony updated there 28mm and if its like this Canon they will sell like hotcakes.
This new generation of slow lenses on the mirrorless FF mounts from Canon and Nikon are looking increasingly ridiculous with their wide diameter, tiny front glass element and plastic to fill the space… Is this the mirrorless revolution? Remember the EF 40mm pancake? USD 199,- on release. This is not pushing the limits of technology, but using the new mount as an excuse to raise prices. yes, it is a 28mm pancake.
Well, to be fair, I would say this is a better lens than the 40mm was (I did like that lens and owned it for years). But there's no question that Canon's pricing on RF is definitely escalated.
Das stimmt.
Indeed the EF 40 is an absolutely great lens, great if the 28 is even better.
Dear Dustin, you think it´s capable to work in a wedding ambient? with low light and we need fast focus. It´s light, that´s is wonderful to work several hours within extra weight. TNX!
I haven't used it for a wedding, but I have used it for portrait work, where it did fine.
Guys, is the bokeh the same as with Fuji x100 f2 lens?
Depth of field would be similar.