Introduction

In this blog, I’ll review a new standard zoom lens for the RF mount—the Canon RF 28-70mm IS STM. Over the past few weeks, I’ve tested this lens extensively for both photography and videography, putting it through its paces in various scenarios. I’ve also compared it to other standard zoom lenses available for the RF mount to evaluate its performance thoroughly.

I purchased this lens with my own money and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I have also put together a video review of this lens over on my YouTube channel which you can check out here, if you prefer to watch rather than read.

The Focal Range

This lens offers a highly versatile focal range, making it a great choice for various photography genres. As someone who shoots portraits, landscapes, events, and travel photography, I found this lens to be reliable and adaptable in all scenarios.

Its ability to switch from capturing wide, expansive landscapes or environmental portraits to zooming in on distant details or subjects with just a twist of the zoom ring is incredibly convenient. A lens like this minimizes the need for frequent lens changes, which is especially valuable for travel or event photography.

Below are some photo examples showcasing the diverse focal lengths and creative possibilities this lens provides.

Canon R5 II - RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM - 28mm

Character

Typically, I wouldn’t expect much character from images taken with a 2.8 zoom lens. While modern zooms are highly functional, they often feel flat and clinical. However, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 defies that trend. I can’t exactly put my finger on why, but the images coming from this lens just have a really nice look and feel to them.

Perhaps it’s the combination of razor-sharp in-focus subjects and the smooth, pleasing bokeh as it transitions out of focus. Whatever the reason, I’ve been consistently impressed by the overall look and character of its images.

Having tested many zoom lenses extensively, I can confidently say that not all of them offer this dimensional, "3D" quality. The shots from this lens are sharp, with vibrant color and excellent contrast straight out of the camera.

Here’s just a few examples of shots that I took with this lens where they just have that little bit of extra magic I would usually associate with a prime lens.

Image Quality

What about optical performance?

This lens is a smaller, lighter, and more affordable standard zoom option. Unlike Canon’s premium L-series lenses, which feature the signature red ring, this lens is not part of that lineup. Canon typically reserves its best optics and advanced lens coatings for L-series lenses, meaning lower-cost, non-L lenses like this one often come with some optical compromises.

Well, that just doesn’t seem to be the case here. From my experience, the sharpness of this lens was impressive throughout the zoom range, especially in the center of the frame. At the wide end (approximately 28–35mm), the center sharpness was outstanding, but the corners were not perfect, at least when wide open at F2.8.

Beyond this range, the lens delivered exceptional image quality, even at f/2.8. This performance is quite unusual for a zoom lens, as many tend to lose sharpness at the longer end of their focal range. However, with this lens, I found the sharpness only improved as I moved toward the telephoto end.

Portraits are very revealing when it comes to sharpness. These shots were all taken at F2.8 - and you can see the level of detail captured in the skin and eyes in these shots.

The above image really demonstrates just how well this lens performs centre frame even at 70mm.

It’s also a good example of the amount of background separation and bokeh available at 2.8 if you want it, and as you can see the bokeh is rendered smoothly, with no distracting artifacts or harsh transitions. For portrait photographers like me, the ability to blur out busy or distracting backgrounds is crucial, and this lens delivers.

One common issue with cheaper lenses is that out-of-focus areas often appear busy or nervous, detracting from the overall image quality. However, that’s not the case here—the bokeh remains smooth, soft and natural. Below is another example of the kind of background separation and bokeh you can expect from this lens.

Back on the subject of sharpness - when it comes to landscape photography—where capturing fine detail is essential—this lens truly excels. I’ve achieved outstanding results with sharpness extending from the center of the frame to the very edges, especially when stopping down beyond f/5.6. This performance is consistent across the entire zoom range, making it an excellent choice for capturing intricate textures and expansive vistas.

This shot in particular really impressed me, where I stepped down to F7.1 to attempt to get both windmills in focus. The windmill in the foreground is rendered in extremely impressive detail, with tons of micro contrast and fine details are captured perfectly. Landscape photographers will be very happy with the performance of this lens.

But how does it compare to other standard zooms on RF mount?

Well I tested it - and it compares very well. It’s only really bested by the much more costly RF 24-70 2.8 IS USM and the big and heavy RF 28-70 F2 at equal apertures, and even then, the differences are extremely small.

Here’s an example of the centre frame compared at 28mm between a range of different L series zoom lenses at their widest focal length.

As you can see, when all lenses are wide open, there’s very little difference. This is the story right through the zoom range.

Here’s how the RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM compares to one of the budget prime lenses like the RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM lens when both are wide open.

In my opinion, this zoom lens beats out the prime when both are wide open, providing more sharpness and contrast. Sure, once you step the prime down to f2.8 it pulls ahead slightly, but still, the results from this budget zoom lens are impressive.

For a more in-depth comparison of sharpness, check out my YouTube video below. In the video, I compare the RF 28-70 IS STM to several other RF mount standard zoom lenses. You can even download the RAW files to analyze the details for yourself.

Autofocus

Before testing this lens, I was concerned about its autofocus capabilities. It uses Canon’s stepping motor (STM) focus system, which, in my experience with other RF lenses, tends to be noisier and slower than the ultra-sonic motor (USM) system. For example, my RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lens offers whisper-quiet operation and exceptionally fast, accurate autofocus for both photo and video work.

I’m pleased to report that Canon has clearly invested significant effort into improving its STM motors, as this lens performs exceptionally well. It’s whisper quiet, very fast, and accurate—traits that make it a fantastic option for both photo and video work.

While it’s not quite as snappy as my much more expensive RF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens, this lens gets remarkably close. Considering the price difference, its performance is highly impressive.

I relied on this lens almost exclusively during a week of traveling in Fuerteventura. After reviewing thousands of images, I couldn’t find a single instance where the lens let me down due to a missed focus shot.

The subject tracking, when paired with both my R5 Mark II and R6 Mark II, was equally impressive. The autofocus system proved fast, accurate, and reliable throughout a variety of shooting conditions.

In fact - one afternoon, while shooting portraits, a raven unexpectedly landed nearby. Without even having a chance to set my R5 Mark II’s subject priority to Animal mode, I instinctively followed the bird as it took to the skies.

I managed to capture 10–15 shots, and every single one was perfectly in focus—both while the raven was grounded and in flight. This experience demonstrated the lens’s outstanding autofocus capabilities, even in dynamic and unplanned scenarios.

Video Performance

I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly test this lens for video production, and it has proven to be a great performer. From smooth autofocus transitions to reliable stabilization, it excels in delivering high-quality footage for various video related scenarios.

On both the R5 II, R6 II and even the new Canon C80 cinema camera, this lens has performed brilliantly.

A standard zoom like a 24-70mm or 24-105mm is easily my favorite type of lens for videography. Its versatile zoom range allows you to capture wide establishing shots and zoom in for detailed close-ups, making it an excellent all-in-one solution for video production.

The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 comes close to achieving that ideal zoom range. While I sometimes miss having 24mm for wider compositions, it’s a compromise I’m willing to make. The fast f/2.8 aperture and lightweight design more than make up for this limitation, offering a perfect balance of functionality and portability for videographers.

Video autofocus and subject tracking is just as good as in photo mode. It’ll track the eye of a subject effortlessly on something like the R5 Mark II. This lens also features optical stabilisation that can work in tandem with your camera’s IBIS for very smooth video stabilisation. In fact, I believe this is among the best optical stabilization systems I’ve seen on any RF mount lens. Canon seems to have made subtle yet effective improvements, resulting in steadier shots when tracking moving subjects.

This lens also suffers from very little focus breathing.

Here are a few still frames from video clips captured with this lens using a variety of cameras. These examples highlight the lens’s beautiful rendering, excellent contrast, and rich colors.

Build and Handling

Let’s take a look at the build, design and overall handling of the RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM.

Starting with the size and weight, there’s a lot to like.

Weighing just 490g, it’s remarkably light, and when fully collapsed, it’s impressively compact—especially compared to most other standard zoom options on the RF mount.

The only comparable alternative in terms of size and weight is the RF 24-105mm f/4, which offers a more extensive zoom range. However, this comes at the cost of a slower aperture, making the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 an attractive option for those who prioritize a faster lens without significantly increasing bulk.

The lens feels solid and well-built in hand, constructed from high-quality plastics that provide decent durability while keeping the weight down. Its design is minimalist, featuring a single zoom ring and a programmable command wheel that can be customized for a variety of settings.

One notable omission is the lack of a dedicated focus ring. This decision was likely made to maintain the lens's compact size and lightweight design. Fortunately, the command wheel can be programmed as a zoom or focus ring, offering flexibility for different shooting preferences.

Other than that, we have a switch to toggle between auto and manual focus and another switch to turn the optical stabilisation on and off. We have quite a small front element too, supporting a common 67mm front filter thread.

This lens feels fantastic on camera. Its compact size and lightweight design, combined with the versatility we discussed earlier, make it one of the best walk-around, do-it-all lenses on the RF mount.

It’s ideal for traveling and hiking, thanks to its ability to pack down compactly when not in use. Additionally, its lightweight construction ensures it’s comfortable to carry on your camera for extended periods without causing fatigue.

I used this lens during a demanding hike into the Fuerteventurian mountains and was truly grateful for its lightweight design. The versatile zoom range meant I didn’t have to constantly swap lenses, which was especially valuable in the dusty environment. From wide-angle landscapes to detailed telephoto shots, this lens handled it all seamlessly.

Another standout feature is the weather sealing, which is a rare and welcome addition for a non-L series RF mount lens. This level of protection provides peace of mind for shooting in challenging outdoor conditions, making it an excellent choice for travel and adventure photography.

One downside of this lens, in my opinion, is its retractable design. When collapsed, the lens cannot be used—you must extend it to the 28mm position before taking photos or videos. In its collapsed state, the camera will not focus, and exposure settings cannot be adjusted.

This differs from most other lenses, which are usable at any point in the zoom range. Instead, turning your camera on with this lens collapsed results in an on-screen message prompting you to extend the lens. While this design helps reduce size for portability, it can interrupt workflow and may take some getting used to.

This is the on-camera message you’ll be greeted with when the lens is fully collapsed.

The above image shows the lens at its smallest, useable size on camera. Once you twist the zoom ring to the 28mm position, the lens functions as normal.

To be fair, I understand Canon made this design choice to reduce the overall size of the lens. Without the retractable design, the above image is a good indicator of how big this lens could have been.

This feature is far from a deal breaker, but it’s worth noting for potential buyers. It took me a few days to adjust, as I initially collapsed the lens out of habit and found myself unable to take a shot when framing the next scene. However, once I got used to it, the issue rarely disrupted my workflow.

Overall, the lens is well-built, compact, and a joy to use on a full-frame camera. It packs down nicely into any camera backpack or sling, making it an excellent option for photographers who value portability.

Cons

No lens is perfect, so here’s a short list of the downsides I have experienced in my time with the Canon RF 28-70 2.8 IS STM

One downside of this lens is that it does not include a lens hood. This omission is standard for Canon’s non-L lenses but feels outdated compared to other manufacturers. Even budget-friendly brands like Sigma often provide lens hoods with their more affordable offerings.
It would have been nice to see Canon change this precedent with the RF 28-70mm f/2.8, but unfortunately, they have not. For those who need one, compatible third-party lens hoods are widely available and can be purchased separately.
The absence of a dedicated focus ring isn’t an issue for me, but it could be a drawback for video-focused shooters. While you can program the control ring to function as a focus ring, it lacks the smooth tactile feel that dedicated focus rings typically provide—a feature many videographers rely on for precise manual focus adjustments.
For most photography needs, this won’t be a significant limitation. However, if smooth manual focus is a priority, this design choice might require some adjustment or compromise to your usual workflow.
The price. In the UK, this lens is currently priced at £1249, which feels a little steep for a non-L series lens. However, considering its versatility and optical quality, it does offer a lot of value for the price.
Ideally, I would have liked to see it priced closer to £999. While this would still make it more expensive than most third-party 28-70mm f/2.8 lenses from brands like Sigma and Tamron, it would also make it more accessible to a broader audience. That said, it’s likely we’ll see the price decrease over time as the lens becomes more widely available.

Conclusion

So, do I recommend the Canon RF 28-70 IS STM? Absolutely.

I didn’t have high expectations for this lens initially, but it has truly exceeded them. It’s a versatile, compact, weather-sealed, and lightweight lens with excellent optical quality throughout the zoom range.

The zoom range itself is incredibly practical, making it suitable for a wide variety of photography genres, including:

Landscape photography
Street photography
Portraits
Events and weddings
Travel photography

While it’s not perfect—features like the retractable design and lack of a dedicated focus ring may be drawbacks for some—the overall performance and value this lens offers make it an excellent choice for many photographers.

I would highly recommend the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM to anyone who owns an RF mount camera and is looking for a travel-friendly zoom lens.

The RF mount now offers an impressive range of standard zooms, and even as a long-time owner of the RF 24-70mm f/2.8, I believe this new RF 28-70mm f/2.8 is the better option for most people when considering its price-to-performance ratio.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see what Canon develops next. I’d love to see a smaller, lighter, and more affordable 70-200mm option—perhaps something like a 70-180mm f2.8 with a lightweight, retractable design. That would be a game-changer for travel and versatility.

For now, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM earns a solid 5 stars from me, thanks to its exceptional balance of performance, portability, and value.

Canon RF 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM LenS review