RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Overview
The RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens is our new lens that is perfect for both still and video content creators who may have a smaller budget but want high quality. This lens is now the smallest, lightest, RF zoom lens with extremely high image quality (equal that of an L-series lens). For still image creators this light and compact lens weighing in at just over one pound will be a “take anywhere” kind of lens. Offering a fast F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, photographers can work in low light situations or take creative control and blur the foreground and background with wide apertures not available on standard kit lenses.
Blending a fast aperture, compact size, and versatile wide-to-short telephoto zoom range, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens can be an everyday do-it-all lens for all types of content creators. The 28-70mm zoom range and fast f/2.8 aperture make this lens well suited to everything from landscapes to portraits and everything in between. The lens also boasts L-series quality optics while keeping to a smaller form factor-and a relatively affordable price point for the performance and features.
FEATURES
Compact size and weight for everyday carry
This lens accomplishes the incredible feat of being a fixed aperture zoom lens that you can actually carry around all day without wearing your arm out. One size-reduction feature is the image stabilization unit that has been completely redesigned for this lens. Additionally, the collapsible design and the smaller focus element due to the optical system make the lens lightweight and portable. Taking advantage of the benefit of electronic distortion correction, this large-aperture zoom lens with a fixed f/2.8 aperture achieves both high image quality across the entire screen and a compact optical system.
High-image quality and optical design
There is a lot that contributes to the optical quality of this lens, and it starts with two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) elements (marked as dark green). The large-diameter UD lens at the front is a unique configuration previously found only in L lenses. This configuration effectively corrects chromatic aberration, reduces the weight of the front lens group, and contributes to ease of use by suppressing the change in the center of gravity felt by the user when changing the zoom range. Two glass-molded aspherical lenses (marked as light green) are effectively placed to achieve high rendering performance with suppression of various aberrations and compact size. The lens provides clear, high-resolution images from the maximum aperture. This design also features dust- and weather-resistant construction (another L-series feature)
Action!
This lens is for more than just still shots, your video adventures and productions will benefit as well. The leadscrew-type STM focusing motor is extremely quiet and the 28mm-70mm zoom range is great for vlogging at home, or filming on the street. Focus breathing is also well controlled with this lens, lending even more professionalism to your productions.
Versatile zoom range
A 28mm-70mm zoom range provides a surprising amount of focal lengths to choose from, perfect for a full day adventure, or even inside the house where you can close up to your favorite subjects! (mark each image with focal length)
Image Stabilization
Combining 5.5 stops of in-lens image stabilization with in-body image stabilization achieves a coordinated control of 7.5 stops, making Hand-held shooting in low-light conditions possible. In addition, a tripod can be used with the image stabilization function turned on.
Bokeh
Even with a zoom lens, the foreground and background can be blurred softly and significantly. This f/2.8 lens provides rich bokeh at every focal length. The ability to open the aperture also allows for faster shutter speeds, preventing blurring of the subject.
The RF 28-70mm differs from its L-series counterpart (the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L) by maintaining a much smaller and lighter form factor. It does this through an advanced optical design and a more conservative, but still very capable, 28mm wide-angle starting point. When not in use, the lens can collapse into itself, resulting in an even greater space savings in a bag or when slung over a shoulder.
The relatively fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture allows this lens key advantages over similarly sized options that opt for a more conventional f/4 aperture by enabling the creation of images with a shallower depth of field. Portraiture and low-light shooting will benefit from the more pleasing bokeh and increased light-gathering capabilities, respectively.
Canon has placed the optical performance of the RF 28-70mm at the same level as their famed L-series lenses. This is no small feat, especially for a lens that also manages to maintain a relatively small form factor. The advanced optical design of the lens helps ensure detailed imagery is captured throughout the zoom range and even when shooting wide open.
- Two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) elements are located at the front of the lens design, a configuration previously found only on L-series lenses, which correct chromatic aberration and reduce the weight of the front lens group.
- Two glass-molded aspherical elements suppress aberrations and help maintain a compact overall lens size.
- Super Spectra Coating (SSC) reduces backlit flaring and ghosting for maintained light transmission and high contrast in strong lighting condition.
Make the most of your lens' high-quality optics by using the RF 28-70mm's fast stepper (STM) autofocus system and Optical Image Stabilizer to ensure tack-sharp imagery. These two features will help lock onto your subjects and make sure that camera shake is controlled.
- Stepper (STM) autofocus motor is fast and silent for optimal operation during both still and video capture.
- Focus breathing is well controlled, resulting in smooth rack focuses during video recording.
- Optical Image Stabilizer is rated for up to 5.5 stops on its own or up to 7.5 stops when used in coordination with a compatible camera's built-in stabilization system. This system will help reduce blur from camera shake when shooting handheld, even in dark shooting situations and with longer shutter speeds.
Key to the RF 28-70mm's success is the physical construction. It is small, lightweight, and durable. A weather-sealed construction, like L-series glass, helps ensure this lens is capable of being used rain or shine. This makes it a reliable choice for photographers and videographers.
- Collapsible design keeps lens size even more compact when not in use.
- Customizable Control Ring and smooth manual focus ring allow for tactile operation of the lens.
- Weather-sealed construction enables operation in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
