Gear

Gear Review: Canon RF 28-70 ƒ/2L

October 12, 2018 | by Andy Wenstrand

In the pulsating world of concert photography, where every shot tells a story, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 lens emerges as a formidable storyteller, offering versatility and brilliance in a single frame.

Diving into its defining feature, the lens’s remarkable f/2 aperture steals the spotlight. This wide aperture isn’t just a number; it’s the conductor orchestrating impeccable low-light performance, ensuring each image sings with clarity and depth, regardless of the concert’s setting – be it a dimly lit club or a dazzling stadium stage.

Austin, Texas – March 17: Eshu Tune (Hannibal Buress) performs on stage at the Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion during the 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Clive Bar on March 17, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Andy Wenstrand)

Stepping into its versatile focal range of 28-70mm, the lens becomes a chameleon, effortlessly adapting to the photographer’s vision. From capturing the grandeur of a sprawling stage to zooming in on the intimate emotions of performers, this lens serves as a trusty companion, always ready to frame the magic unfolding before the lens.

Crafted with precision and durability in mind, the lens’s robust build quality is a testament to Canon’s commitment to excellence. Its weather-sealed design offers a shield against the unpredictable elements, allowing photographers to focus solely on their craft without worrying about equipment limitations.

However, by pushing the boundaries of what is possible to make such a fast lens at this focal range, the lens is large and heavy, especially by RF standards. The front element is one of the largest in a non-telephoto series, requiring filters to be 95mm. The weight takes us back to the days of DLSR rigs, as this lens comes in at a whopping 3.15 pounds (nearly 1500g).

The final image quality made with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 lens doesn’t disappoint. With a fusion of cutting-edge optical elements and Canon’s signature engineering prowess, each image is a masterpiece, bursting with sharpness, clarity, and true-to-life colors. Bid adieu to distracting aberrations and distortions; this lens ensures every shot is a true reflection of the moment captured. Even at wide open apertures, the auto-focus and in-body image stabilization (IBIS) helps create tack-sharp images with stunning depth of field.

Austin, Texas – March 11: Big Boi performs at the Porsche X The FADER Where Genres Collide during the 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Porsche House on March 11, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Andy Wenstrand)

In essence, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 lens is more than just a tool; it’s an enabler of creativity, a conduit for capturing the essence of live music in all its splendor. Typically, you only get this kind of opening and speed from a prime lens. The aperture, paired with the focal range of this lens, gives an opportunity to replace several pieces of glass in your bag with one lens – saving valuable time in the pits from not needing to swap lenses in the middle of a set. From the dimly lit corners of underground venues to the grand stages of arena spectacles, this lens transcends boundaries, empowering photographers to weave stories that resonate with the rhythm of life.